Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, dietary advice and exercise, is a highly regarded method of health treatment, with nearly three million Australians visiting TCM practitioners every year.

The fundamental principles of TCM are subtly different from traditional Western ideas about health, illness and the mechanism of the body.

Chinese herbs are often prescribed to rectify imbalanced energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Many studies have shown Chinese herbal medicines to be successful in treating a range of disorders, particularly gynaecological and gastrointestinal disorders.

• A range of disorders
• Chinese herbs are commonly used to treat disorders such as:
• Digestive problems;
• Eczema and psoriasis;
• Fatigue;
• Gynaecological disorders;
• Hepatic (liver) disorders;
• Cardiovascular disorders;
• Stress.
• Allergies and autoimmune disorders.

Yin and Yang

According to the ancient Chinese philosophers every living thing is sustained by a balance of two opposing forces of energy, called Yin and Yang and together, they make up the life essence, or Qi - a type of energy that flows through the body via invisible channels called meridians. Half of the body’s organs and meridians are governed by Yin and the other half by Yang. When Yin and Yang are out of balance in the body, this causes a blockage of Qi and often results in a consequent illness. Yin and Yang imbalances can be caused by poor diet, stress, infection, emotional upsets or pollution. For diagnostic purposes, Yin and Yang are further subdivided into interior and exterior, hot and cold, deficiency and excess.

The five elements

TCM philosophy proposes that the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood make up the composition of the body, including the organs. Chinese herbal medicine is similarly classified into the five tastes - sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour - which correspond to the five elements.

Herbs

Although most Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, some medicines include minerals or animal products. They can be packaged as powders, pastes, lotions or tablets, depending on the herb and its intended use. Different herbs have different properties and can balance particular parts of the body. When a practitioner prescribes a particular herb or concoction of herbs as a remedy this means the practitioner’s diagnosis has to take into account the state of the patient’s Yin and Yang, and the elements that are governing the affected organs.

Additional treatment and advice

Often your practitioner will advise you to make specific changes to your diet, such as avoiding cigarettes, spicy foods or alcohol. The Chinese believe all food we eat to either ‘heat’ or ‘cool’ the constitution, therefore, making dietary changes is an important part of the healing process.

Special considerations

While herbs can act on the body as effectively as pharmaceutical drugs they should be treated with the same caution and respect. Some herbs can be toxic in high doses; while others can cause allergic reactions. For this reason it is important you go to a qualified TCM practitioner and not a back street trader. Also, never discard your regular medication or alter the dose without the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
• Things to remember

Chinese herbal medicine is part of a larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Herbs are prescribed to restore energy balance to the opposing forces of energy - Yin and Yang - that run through invisible channels in the body.

Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and should be treated with the same caution and respect.