Posts Tagged chinese herbal
What is Oriental Medicine?
Oriental medicine is a system of healthcare that seeks to treat the whole person, as all holistic health methods do. Balancing the mind, body and spirit, Oriental medicine therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupressure, Tuina, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) applications have been in existence before the dawn of modern civilization. A matter of fact, Oriental medicine predates the birth of Christ by nearly 5,000 years.
In addition to nutritional counseling, modern Oriental medicine practitioners commonly use a combined variety of natural healing therapies including acupuncture, Tai Chi, moxibustion, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine, among others, when treating patients.
Acupuncture in Oriental medicine is based on the foundation that the body contains meridians; also known as energy channels. These meridians have “acupoints” that control the flow of “chi,” or life energy. The theory behind this Oriental medicine technique is that by inserting fine, hair-like needles into these acupoints, underlying pathologies (of health conditions) can be relieved. How? The philosophy is that needle insertion (at respective acupoints) removes blockages, and allow the Chi to flow freely and unobstructed throughout the meridians. This, in part, balances the life force and is believed to restore health and balance to the body.
A unique form of acupuncture that some Oriental medicine doctors administer is auriculotherapy. This particular needling technique involves the insertion of acupuncture needles along the meridians of the outer ear. Acupuncturists, who provide this treatment are often specially trained and certified for this procedure.
Oriental medicine practitioners may also treat patients with moxibustion or cupping therapies. In moxibustion, the herb “mugwort,” or moxa is used. This herbal medicine is ground and burned, and applied at acu-points; or at the tips of acupuncture needles. This Oriental medicine is intended to warm these regions and to stimulate better circulation of Chi.
Cupping in Oriental medicine is a therapy whereby a cup (or cups) is applied to the skin as a vacuum. For instance, heat or flames are often briefly applied to the inside of the cup(s) and quickly placed upon the skin. This creates a vacuum-like suction upon the skin. Oriental medicine practitioners may slide the cup from one acu-point to another to promote healing and pain relief. This technique is known simply as “gliding.”
Oriental medicine doctors may also prescribe Tai Chi and Qigong as a natural health exercise to patients. As a slow-motion, martial art, Tai Chi is known for its stress-reducing affects. In addition, it is a great way to improve balance and to gain increased flexibility and range of motion in joints and muscles. Qigong is commonly integrated with Tai Chi as a breathing exercise to improve and maintain health.
As with any health practitioner, it is important to check the credentials of the prospective Oriental medicine doctor. Acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners should be licensed to practice in the State where they reside. To attain licensure, many States require these practitioners to be certified with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Interested in learning more about this or other TCM therapies? Let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, holistic health, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore Oriental medicine courses near you.
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Does Chinese Herbal Medicine Work?
Dr. Ting Hung-Leung, Hong Kong’s deputy director for Traditional Chinese Medicine, commented: “The problem in 1997 was we had over 7,000 practitioners of herbal and Traditional Chinese Medicine and anyone could call themselves TCM practitioners.” Now rigid licensing and educational standards have made the study more acceptable to Western standards.
As a result, Chinese herbal medicine and clinics offering acupuncture treatment are opening up in many American medical schools and the ancient treatments are being tested in laboratories for effectiveness. Researchers and patients alike are surprised at the results.
Did you know that emphysema can even be treated by Chinese herbal therapy? First, patients should consider what their diets include. Do’s include: protein (fish, eggs, lean meats), nuts, seeds, legumes, fiber-rich vegetables and soy. Don’ts include: complex carbohydrates, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, simple sugars and things ending in “-ose.”
Never skip meals, but rather eat small meals throughout the day and have a small snack before bed. The most important Chinese herbal remedy is brewer’s yeast, which stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Chromium picolinate is also necessary for optimal insulin activity. Pacreatin and proteolytic enzymes aid in digestion. Zinc helps control appropriate insulin release. Glutamine will reduce sugar cravings. Many people with hypoglycemia are found to be lacking certain essentials: manganese and vitamin C with bioflavonoids.
Doctors also recommend herbal teas with burdock, dandelion or licorice to stabilize blood sugar levels. Ohiopogon is a powerful tonic that strengthens the lungs and heart and should be taken twice daily, 6 grams at a time. Check with a specialist to see what options are best for you.
“I think acceptance by the mainstream medicine is getting better and better,”said Che Chun Tao, professor and director of the School of Chinese Medicine at Chinese University. “I can tell you, before 1997 there were no doctors in hospitals who were willing to touch any herbal materials in clinical trials, but now there’s quite a number of clinical trials going on and there’s better acceptance from medical doctors.
I believe a combination of traditional Chinese medicine together with western medicine is needed for treating serious diseases and it’s important to offer a choice for patients and the general public,” he said. Currently, clinical trials for Chinese herbal extracts are being tested all around the world to cure some of the world’s most serious diseases.
“If you are taking herbs without experiencing any results after a week or two, then perhaps your formula needs to be changed, unhealthy foods eliminated from your diet, or other changes made,” says Jiang Wind Xiao, one Chinese herbal exhibitor.
“If you are being told to take herbs for long periods of time without seeing any benefits, or are experiencing side effects, then perhaps you need to see another practitioner.” Pharmaceuticals should still be used for emergencies, but for long term care Chinese herbal remedies work best.
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