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Chinese Herbal Medicine
From WikiVerde
Several thousand years before the modern medical system came into existence, mankind did have afflictions and to alleviate their suffering, knowledgeable people identified specific resources from the lap of Mother Nature to provide aid to her ailing children. These resources collectively came to be known as Herbal Medicines. The knowledge about this endless resource was largely restricted to the Asian continent in its primitive years. In modern times, this has come to be known as “Alternative Medical System”.
Chinese herbs sold in Chinatown
A debate on what is conventional and what is alternative can be endless. Conventional or modern medicine uses chemicals or substances derived from chemicals to develop formulations for a variety of afflictions. More often than not, modern medicine suppresses the affliction, rather than cures it. In contrast, most of the “Alternative Medical Systems” seek to address the affliction at its grass root levels and attempt to eradicate the cause of the affliction, rather than the affliction itself.
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Herbalism
The science of using a number of medicinal herbs in specific combinations to treat illness is collectively known as herbalism. Thus, each prescription under herbal medicine is a cocktail of many herbs specifically tailored to the individual patient. The extract or decoction from a batch of herbs (brew) may be typically derived twice within the space of an hour. Usually, a remedy is designed with one or two main ingredients targeted at the illness. To adjust the formula to the patient’s specific energy (ying/yang) conditions, the practitioner then adds several other ingredients. At times, the main ingredients may carry toxicity and to nullify those, other ingredients must be added. Similarly, certain herbs require catalysts to achieve the desired level of efficacy.
Customizing the prescription to the individual patient calls for great experience and knowledge. The depth of knowledge and experience become the dividing line between a good Chinese Herbal doctor and an amateur. All the ingredients must be well balanced and interact with each other to deliver optimal results to the patient. Treating each patient as an individual is the key to success in TCM treatment.
Common Ailments
Several recommendations are available in Chinese medicine to stay healthy during all seasons. The days get shorter, and the weather begins to get chilly. In that environment, the lungs and respiratory system is more vulnerable to illness. Asthmatic patients may begin to get more attacks. Chances of contracting a cold or flu are more likely. According to Chinese medicine, the lungs are ruled by the element of metal, and the element of metal in turn, is related to fall. Due to this interlink, the lungs are compromised, particularly in persons with a history of respiratory ailments.
In the Chinese system of herbal medicine, the lungs encompass the entire respiratory and immune system and not just the lungs as envisaged by the anatomy. This composite theory supports the approach that the lungs control the opening and closing of pores on the skin. The pores remain open when the lungs are weak and the body becomes more vulnerable to external pathogens. This is where the element of wind comes in. The co-relation between windy days and cold drafts must have encouraged the ancient Chinese to consider wind as an external pathogen.
The neck and back were also believed to be the most vulnerable victims of wind. This belief must have been supported by the fact that several people often get stiff and achy in those parts, ahead of getting a cold or flu. Most of us must have had supporting experiences. The next time you are in a windy and chilly environment, you can cover you neck and back to find out for yourself whether the attack from cold or flu can be averted. The experiment certainly cannot do you any harm.
Chinese Herbalism and Diabetes
"Maj men dong" or "Ophiopogon" is a Chinese herb that has shown promise in the treatment of diabetes. Chinese research has demonstrated that this herb can stimulate the pancreas and enhance the production of insulin leading to proper processing of blood sugar in the body. By stimulating regeneration of these cells, the approach claims to potentially reverse diabetes in its nascent stages.
Astragalus
To prepare for fall, you need to boost your immunity and increase resistance to illness. According to the Chinese belief, astragalus helps the lungs by closing the pores of the body and thereby denying the pathogens an entry point. The immune enhancing properties of astragalus have also been verified by modern medicine. Astragalus can be taken as a tea during the cold and flu season to promote immunity and prevent illness. These are preventive measures. But if you already have a cold, then the Chinese approach is different.
When a full-blown, early case of cold or flu has already set in, the pathogens are already within your body. The best way then will be to open the pores and induce sweating to expel the pathogen out of the body. Astragalus is not the right prescription for this condition because the pores close when you use Astragalus. Ginger, cinnamon tea, or the Chinese formula Gan Mao Ling, are recommended. Hot Soups, warm baths with a few drops of eucalyptus, or lemon will bring relief to you. Again, if your cold progresses, or already has a fever, soar throat, and cough then the strategy for treatment differs. In such a condition, mint tea with lemon and honey can help the cough and sore throat. The Chinese formulation Yin Quiao San which has honeysuckle and forsythia in it is recommended for these conditions. But, if your condition get severe, it is important however, to see your doctor.
The Path Ahead
This limited discussion only seeks to throw light on resources available to address modern health issues through natural means, which were established by several thousand years of experience and expertise. If some of the herbs have become extinct, we can only blame ourselves. The creator had provided for mitigation of suffering, but we have not been vigilant enough, perhaps.
References
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_herbology http://alternative.articles.az.pl/chinese-herbs-for-the-cold-and-flu-season.html http://ezinearticles.com/?Chinese-Herbs-for-Diabetes&id=106474
