Chinese Herbal Medicine
Amazing results can be achieved with Chinese herbal medicine. Western medicine has only existed for about a century, whereas Chinese medicine has had thousands of years to build its knowledge base. In the West, we have limited ourselves to synthetic drugs that often cause side effects or are later found to be toxic. Whereas Chinese herbs are natural, extremely safe, and generally free from side effects.
Chinese herbal medicine, is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. Your pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, and the constitution of your body (weak, strong, hot, cold, young, old). For example, five women presenting with PMS may all receive different herbal formulas based on their TCM diagnosis and constitution, not just their symptoms. Herbs are foods that do possess strong medicinal properties, so when used incorrectly they may contribute to unwanted side effects and adverse reactions. So it is essential to get a consultation from a licensed acupuncturist to make sure you can get an appropriate diagnosis and a high quality formula.
The most significant advantages of the Chinese Herbal Medicine are:
- Used for thousands of years
- Revitalizes the body's natural ability to heal
- Treats the root (cause) not the symptom (branch)
- Long-term results
- Individualized treatment
- Little or no side effects like western medications, very safe and non-addictive
- Positive "side-effects"- for example, a patient taking herbs for infertility reported her back and leg pain disappeared
Chinese herbs can relieve symptoms and alleviate the root cause of the problem at the same time. They nourish and regulate the Qi, blood, and body fluids thereby aiding the function of internal organs. The majority of ingredients are from minerals and natural plants, which include roots, stems, twigs, tubers, rhizomes, bark, leaves, flowers. There are no chemical additives involved. Each kind of herbal formula normally contains about 12 herbs, selected for their synergistic qualities. It is the selection and combination process that enables each formula to be individually designed.
As with all supplements the source is of great importance. There have been many horror stories about contaminated Chinese herbs but in all cases it was because the company was not reputable. If you choose your practitioner with care, Chinese herbs are not only effective and sometimes miraculous, but also in all likelihood the safest form of medicine available.
*All chinese herbal formulas sold by Natalie Zajac, L.Ac. are very high quality, made in the USA and are tested for safety. They usually come in a capsule form, but are also available in powders.
