Chinese Herbal Medicine: An Introduction
The use of herbs in China, developed over thousands of years, is intimately tied to the balancing energies in the body. Herbs are often used as preventative medicine and taken regularly to build up and strengthen a person’s constitution. When a person has a particular illness, herbs are usually prescribed based on a thorough diagnosis involving many factors in addition to any specific symptomatic conditions. The actions of the herbs are sometimes described in terms of their effect on the body in general and specifically: “warming and invigorating”, “cooling and calming’ or “removing damp from the spleen”. Generally, they tend to be used more for long-term treatment of chronic conditions than in emergency situations. The function of herbs is usually to right an imbalance or regulate an organ in much the way that an acupuncturist would use a needle. Because some people do not feel comfortable with needles, they prefer herbs. The taste of herbs may, to some people, be unpleasant. Tonic herbs are often combined to make soups which provide nourishment and gentle stimulation to organs. The soups may be prepared by simmering. Herbs can be classified according to their tonifying and healing capabilities. Since selection of herbs can be complex, it is best to obtain them through someone who has the training to perform competent diagnoses and prescriptions. Herbs are highly regarded in China not only for their curative powers but also for building up energies in the organs and throughout the body. Marc Capener MS,L.A c Founded Acupuncture & Herb Clinic Hawaii in April 2004. Credentials:
L.Ac (Licensed Acupunctuirist), M.S.O.M (Masters of Science & Oriental Medicine), B.A. in EthnoBotany,
Black Belt in Hapkido (Aiki-Bhudo).
2nd Degree Black Belt J.I.K.C Karate.
