Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs

Herbs used in Traditional Chinese Medicine include the following:

American ginseng

Asian ginseng

Astragalus

Bitter melon

Bupleurum

Chinese scullcap

Corydalis

Dong quai

Eleuthero

Ephedra

Fo-ti

Garlic

Ginger

Ginkgo biloba

Green tea

Licorice

Ligustrum

Maitake

Reishi

Schisandra

Shiitake

Sweet Annie

The theory and techniques of Oriental Medicine (OM) have been developed and refined for more than 2,000 years. Having originated in China, OM gradually spread throughout Asia and eventually into Europe and the United States.

In China, OM developed over millennia as many separate lineages and schools of thought, with different ideas about how it works and varying approaches on how to use it. In the 1940s the Chinese government brought together experts from the various schools and synthesized all of the different ideas and practices into a single system that could be transformed into a network of colleges and hospitals to train practitioners and treat the public. They called this system Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Even with this great synthesis of ideas in China, there are still many different schools of thought within contemporary OM in China and other countries. TCM remains the foundation and center of OM; it is the system that is taught at most OM colleges and is used by most practitioners throughout the world. In the United States today, there are over 12,000 licensed practitioners and 40 colleges of OM, with licensure available in 37 states and Washington, D.C.

TCM is a complete medical system for diagnosis and treatment. The individual is seen as an integrated whole. Every part, process, thought, and emotion within the individual is considered in terms of its contribution to the healthy functioning of the whole person. Each disease and disorder is not seen as an isolated event but as an outward manifestation of the whole person being out of balance.

Diagnosis is performed by observing various aspects of the patient’s physiology and mannerisms, by asking detailed questions about the chief complaints, personal and family health history, diet and lifestyle, and general bodily functions and health, and by palpating relevant areas of the body. Once enough information is obtained to form a diagnosis, a treatment plan is developed from a number of treatment modalities, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion (applying heat to the skin), cupping (applying suction to the skin), gua sha (scraping the skin), massage, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and exercise and stress-reduction techniques. An emphasis is always placed on educating the patient to treat and prevent illness through living a more healthful lifestyle so that a minimum of intervention will be necessary to maintain wellness.

Two of the most important parameters assessed during the diagnostic process in TCM are the flow of Qi in the meridians and the balance of Yin and Yang. Qi is our vital force—the energy of all physiological, emotional, and spiritual activity. It circulates throughout the body in a system of channels and collaterals (known collectively as meridians), much like rivers, streams, and creeks. There are 12 primary meridians, eight extraordinary meridians, and thousands of smaller meridians that interconnect the whole system. Each of the 12 primary meridians connects to a vital organ and influences the functioning of that organ. For one to be healthy the Qi must be in adequate supply and be able to flow freely through the meridians. Illness is associated with blockage in the flow of Qi, leading to accumulations in some areas and to deficiencies in others. The concept of Yin and Yang refers to a dynamic balance between opposites within the person, such as hot and cold, moist and dry, and movement and stasis. One’s yin and yang must be in relative balance for one to be in good health.

For most health concerns, a series of treatments is usually recommended. These are most often done in intervals of one to two times per week until satisfactory results are obtained. A general rule is the longer the health concern has been present, the longer the course of treatments will be necessary to cure it. Another belief is the efficacy of treatment depends on a number of other variables, including the skill of the practitioner, the underlying constitution of the patient, and the willingness of the patient to make the lifestyle changes needed to facilitate healing and to prevent further illness.

References and Resources:

Beinfeld, H., Korngold, E. Between Heaven And Earth: A Guide To Chinese Medicine. Ballantine Books 1991.

Bensky, D., O’Connor, J. Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Eastland Press 1981.

Ellis, A., Wiseman, N., Boss, K. Fundamentals Of Chinese Acupuncture. Paradigm Publications 1991.

Kaptchuk, T.J. The Web That Has No Weaver. Congdon and Weed Inc. 1983.