Chinese Herbal Medicine

In my clinic, I prescribe Chinese herbal medicine as dried whole herbs, or as granulated or powdered extracts appropriate for the individual and their specific problem.

Herbs are usually prescribed to be taken orally on a daily basis. Dried whole herbs are normally prescribed where a stronger clinical effect is needed, such as in acute conditions or for dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. For chronic conditions such as pain, or gynaecological issues such as PCOS or other long-term problems, granulated or powdered extracts are mixed with hot water and taken as a herbal tea. I give each patient simple and precise instructions on how to prepare and take the herbs.

One of the wonderful things about TCM is its diversity and flexibility. Herbs can also be made into various external preparations to treat a variety of conditions:

• creams, gels, soaks, massage oils, poultices, plasters and bath soaks to treat muscular pain and injury, sports injuries, period pain or inflammatory arthritis
• creams and gels to treat specific skin conditions
• pessaries and other products that can be used to treat some intestinal conditions, gynaecological and other internal problems
• foot or hand soaks for children or adults who cannot ingest Chinese herbs

Anyone!

The beauty of this system is that it is tailored specifically to the individual.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine train for many years in a very specific system of personal diagnosis and treatment.

When a patient's symptoms respond to treatment, the herbal prescriptions, acupuncture and even Tuina will be adapted to the patient's evolving condition and to encourage further movement towards total health.

People who seek out Chinese medicine are usually those who have come to a dead end with traditional treatment and are desperate for help!

You will never be discouraged from having essential medical treatment for conditions where your GP or consultant needs to be involved. TCM practitioners are trained to recognise when a GP referral may be necessary, and to work in conjunction with the western medical system (e.g. in relation to blood work or scans as appropriate). 

As a  practitioner listed with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), I prescribe authenticated Chinese herbal medicines that have been quality-assured and sourced only from RCHM-approved suppliers.

These suppliers must adhere to strict criteria and they are subject to thorough investigation by independent auditors. Suppliers must be able to demonstrate that herbal medicines are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards of safety and quality.

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) and acupuncture both originate from East Asian traditions. Much of the modern system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a diagnostic and therapeutic framework that particularly suits CHM.

The combination of CHM and acupuncture is an example of Yin-Yang pairing. Acupuncture excels at improving Qi (bodily strength and energy) and restoring its harmonious flow throughout the body, whereas CHM works at a more material level to address deficiencies in the body and expel the pathogens leading to disease.

In my experience, the combination of herbs and acupuncture significantly extends the range and potency of treatment. Herbal medicine taken daily provides an additional regular intervention that reinforces and consolidates the benefits of acupuncture treatment, enabling substantial change and a lasting restoration of good health.