Treatments
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of yin and yan of the life force known as gi or chi. Qi is said to flow through meridians (pathways) in the human body. Through 350 acupuncture points in the body, these meridians and energy flows may be accessed. Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of the forces. If needles are inserted into these points with appropriate combinations it is said that the energy flow can be brought back into proper balance.
The benefits of acupuncture are
When performed correctly it is safe
There are very few side effects
It is a very effective combination treatment
It is effective in controlling some types of pain
It may be considered for patients who do not respond to pain medications
It is a useful alternative for patients who do not want to take pain medications
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal medicine has a role to play in the treatment of the following conditions:
•Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria
•Gastro-intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis
•Gynaecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility
•Hepatitis and HIV: some promising results have been obtained for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV
•Chronic fatigue syndromes, whether with a background of viral infection or in other situations
•Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis
•Rheumatological conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
•Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis
•Psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)
Many of these conditions, especially in their chronic forms, create great difficulty for conventional medicine, whilst Chinese Herbal Medicine has a great deal to offer. The results that can be expected and how long a patient will have to take the herbs for will depend on the severity of the condition, its duration, and the general health of the patient.
Who can take Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese medicine can be used by people of any age or constitution. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before prescribing herbs to you.. With suitable adjustments for dosage and with some provisos which will be determined by your practitioner, children and pregnant women can very well be treated by Chinese medicine.
What are the herbs like and how much will they cost?
Herbs are now available in a number of formats, both traditional and modern. The traditional method is to boil a mixture of dried herbs to make a tea or to use pills. The herbs are also now commonly prescribed as freeze dried powders or tinctures. The herbs will at first taste unusual and often bitter to anyone who has not tried them before, but the vast majority of people get used to the taste very quickly.
Are herbs safe?
Chinese herbs are very safe when prescribed correctly by a properly trained practitioner. Over the centuries doctors have compiled detailed information about the pharmacopoiea and placed great emphasis on the protection of the patient. 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. The RCHM also works with the Bristol Chinese Herb Garden and with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in building botanical knowledge of high quality herbal medicines.
Cupping
Cupping is a simple method that revitalizes and causes stagnant blood and body energy to circulate about the body. Glass cups are placed upon the injured area and used for suction. It is done to improve circulation and aid fatigued muscles.
Testimonials
Moxibustion
Moxibustion involves burning the herb mugwort and holding the moxa stick close to the treatment area. The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood and stimulate qi flow.
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Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood
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