“Illness contains the seed of health.”
― Ted Kaptchuk, The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd Century BC. Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge. Because of its systemic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries a great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East and more recently, has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine.
Treatment
Chinese Herbal Medicine, along with the other components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is based on the concept of restoring balance in the body and mind. It aim to understand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony of the body can be undermined and the ways in which a person’s vitality may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance. Herbal medicine is used to restore this balance.
Your Practitioner
Alex has completed a three year masters degree in Chinese herbal medicine with 100’s of clinical hours and regular ongoing supervision. Alex is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioners (RCHM) the leading professional body for Chinese herbal medicine practitioners in the UK.
First Appointment
At the start of the appointment you will be asked your contact details and the details of your GP and surgery. A full medical history will be taken which includes details of any medication/other treatments that you may be receiving. We will then run through the details of the condition you would like help with and you will be asked questions to discern the diagnosis from a Chinese medicine perspective. We will then carry out an assessment of the pulses and tongue and occasionally palpate the affected area or abdomen. In Chinese medicine, feeling the pulse and looking at the tongue help the practitioner assess the overall balance of the bodily systems. Once the consultation is complete the practitioner will explain how to take the herbs and answer any questions you might have. The herbal prescription is created specifically for your condition based on your individual signs and symptoms. The herbs will be posted to your address a few days after the appointment. Prescriptions usually last between 7-14 days.
Follow Up Appointments
Follow up appointments are commonly weekly in the first instance and are done over the phone (30 mins). In total a course of Chinese herbal medicine usually lasts a 4-6 weeks.
Taking the Herbs
Balance Full Composite Granules (FCG) are used. The herbal granules are of a high standard and quality controlled. You mix the herbal granules with hot water (similar to instant coffee) before drinking. Your practitioner will explain this further and give you specific dose instructions.
Safety and Consent
Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Adverse reactions can occur with any form of medicine. In the case of Chinese Herbal Medicine these are rare. RCHM members give guidance on this to all patients. Your practitioner follows the professional standards and safety guideline of the RCHM and AAC. The herbal granules used are of a high standard and purity and are rigorously quality controlled to ensure therapeutic benefit and safety. Herbs are free from any heavy metals or contaminates. For more details visit the RCHM website. Chinese herbal medicine is well tolerated by all ages and constitutions. However your practitioner does not treat children or pregnant/breast feeding women. Instead he will refer you to a specialist who works with this client base. Herbal medicine can be taken alongside most standard medical treatments and medications, but not all. You are welcome to discuss any concerns about this with your practitioner before booking an appointment.
Endangered Species
The RCHM and members are greatly concerned about the threat to wild animals and plants that have come as a result of the growth in demand for traditional medicines. We strongly condemn the illegal trade in endangered species and have a strict policy prohibiting the use of any type of endangered species by any of our members. Only plant based medicine is used.
