Chinese Herbs

History

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back almost 5,000 years. Its basic concepts were established at a time when people lived closer to nature and changing seasons. They were more in harmony with their surrounding than we are today. Energy flow, a close association with basic elemental forces, and influence of heat and cold, were all believed to have a great influence on well-being.

The wisdom of China can help you stay healthy and live longer. You may think that herbal remedies are the same the world over, with just some local name-changing, but there is a radical difference between the eastern and western approaches to herbalism, which exist not so much in the plants themselves (many occur in both traditions) but in the approach to diagnosis. When prescribing, a western herbalist will take the property of the herb into greater account than the constitution of the person who is taking it. An eastern herbalist will first establish their patients’ type and will only then pinpoint a herbal cure to suit that particular person at that particular time.

How do Chinese Herbs work?

Chinese herbal medicine is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The underlying principles of TCM are very different from traditional Western notions about health, illness and the workings of the body. Chinese Herbs are prescribed to normalise imbalanced energy, or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’), that runs through invisible meridians in the body.

The Qi is the vital energy responsible for all the transformative and catalytic processes in the body. If there is insufficient Qi, the resulting symptoms will include tiredness, poor circulation, shortness of breath, poor digestion, low resistance to disease and reduced mental function. Herbs that are tonics for the Qi tend to be sweet-tasting and warming, which explains why we get sugar cravings when we are tired and run-down. Tonics should not be taken indiscriminately, or when not really necessary or their boosting abilities will simply lead to stagnation.

A reduced digestive function, leading to food sensitivities or food intolerance, is very common. Food sensitivity seems to be a modern problem. Pollution and pesticides are two of the suspected culprits. Chinese herbs address many of the symptoms such as bloating, tiredness after eating, nausea, gurgling innards, reduced appetite and loose bowel movement.

Whether or not the philosophy is believed, studies have shown Chinese herbal medicines to be successful in treating a range of disorders, particularly gynaecological and gastrointestinal.

What benefits can you expect from Chinese Herbs?

Chinese Medicine uses herbs that have boundless potential whereas in the West we have limited ourselves to synthetic drugs that often cause side effects or are later found to be toxics.
As an example there are Chinese herbal combinations that can help normalize the body’s immune system, thus helping people with immune system disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis, without suppressing immunity, which is the only thing drugs can do.

If you choose your practitioner with care, Chinese herbs are not only effective and sometimes miraculous, but also in all likelihood the safest form of medicine available.

Chinese herbal formulas work on our emotional and physical issues:

• Relief acute and chronic pain
• Make you feel psychologically lighter
• Relax and calm your mind
• Open your perspective on yourself & life
• Improve your patience & calmness
• Boost confidence levels
• Induce more peaceful sleep

Which disorders can be treated with Chinese Herbs?

Chinese Herbs can treat a wide range of disorders including:

Many other illnesses can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine. Please contact us for your particular case.

Testimonials

I first visited the practice with a debilitating, painful and suppurating rash on my face and neck. I had visited my GP on several occasions and been given four courses of antibiotics. As a result of this my general health was well below parr.
Dr Jack undertook a thorough investigation whilst taking a detailed history.
I was given special herbal teas to drink twice a day with weekly appointments for acupuncture, acupressure massage and heat treatment. After a few weeks my health improved dramatically and the rash disappeared.
The service was excellent. Paige and Dr Jack are extremely professional and courteous. As soon as necessary Dr Jack reduced the frequency of the treatments to fortnightly.
— A patient from Stratford upon Avon

Dysmenorrhea
I have dealt with this condition for over 25 years until a friend recommended that I go and see Jack and Paige, and I haven’t looked back since I started my herbal treatments 9 months ago. I always feel confident about my weekly visits. This is due to Jack’s ability to adapt my weekly medicine to deal with the various fluctuations through out the month and Paige’s consistent guidance, support and understanding.
Everything about the herbal medicine I take each week is fully explained and my questions answered. It is so comprehensive. I didn’t believe that my condition would ever get better, and now I feel I have a real chance of living a normal life. Together they are an exceptional team, and I can’t thank them enough for all they do for me.
Five Stars
— Katie, Stratford upon Avon

For more testimonials please click here.

Fees

£14 – £35 per week