Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a complementary therapeutic modality that can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. The origins of Chinese herbal medicine can be traced back 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest health care systems. The holistic approach of Chinese traditional medicine provides a safe, effective and drug-free system of health care that can help prevent and treat illness.
A Chinese herbal medicine practitioner analyses the individual needs of the patient and prescribes uniquely blended herbal formulas. In order to create the most effective formula, herbs and other substances are used in different quantities and for different purposes.
Substances that are used in Chinese herbal medicine
There are more than 450 substances commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine – most are of plant origin (roots, twigs, flowers and leaves), though some animal and mineral substances (such as oyster shell) may also be used. Many of the herbal substances are very common and are frequently used in cooking, such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves. While others can be found in the tea section of your pantry or in the garden, such as chrysanthemum, orange rind and rose buds. At Launceston Acupuncturist we choose to only use plant and mineral based ingredients for our Chinese medicine formulas.
How Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed
Launceston Acupuncturist prescribes traditional Chinese medicine formulas in a number of ways including:
- Raw Chinese herb prescriptions that are boiled into a tea
- Chinese herbal capsules – an efficient and convenient method of taking medication which dissolves easily in the stomach
- Chinese herbal granule prescriptions – concentrated herbs extracted from raw herbs and taken orally
- Chinese herbal liniments and creams – topical preparations for external use, blended for maximum absorption to relieve a range of physical ailments or to provide cosmetic outcomes.
Chinese medicine is regulated in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and all products that are dispensed at Launceston Acupuncturist meet these standards. Please contact Launceston Acupuncturist to discuss using Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health disorders, or to assist with general health maintenance and disease prevention.