What is Chinese herbal medicine?

The tradition of Chinese herbal medicine dates back to the Third Century BC. Throughout its history, the practice 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 advancing knowledge.

Just like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine looks at the whole person, not just a set of symptoms. Along with the other components of Chinese medicine, treatment with Chinese herbs is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang and the ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the two may be undermined. Diagnosis through pulse and tongue analysis play a key part in Chinese herbal medicine practice, which is based around an in-depth understanding of how the body uses energy, how imbalances can affect its performance and how individual herbs can correct these imbalances.

Sight, touch and smell play a significant part in Chinese herbal medicine. Just like cooking, the art of a true Chinese herbal medicine specialist is in being able to create the perfect ‘recipe’.