Principles of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a very sophisticated and complicated system. Unlike many other types of medicine, there is no simple matching of a symptom to a single herb; instead, herbs are combined according to architectural principles to devise synergistic formulas. Formulas usually contains between 3 and 15 herbs and are aimed at relieving a whole pattern of symptom manifestation rather than a single complaint.There are 1000's of formulas in existence, and each can be fine tuned to meet the specific needs of any individual.

Individual herbs used in formulas are classified according to the qualities of taste, temperature, meridians and organs they affect, and traditional function. Some herbs build up depleted energy, blood, and fluids, and are known as tonics. Others drain excess heat, warm cold areas, dry dampness, moisten dryness, calm spasm, or aid sleep.

Herbal formulas may be taken in one of three forms:

1. Decoction. A customized, hand-prepared mixture of raw herbs which is cooked into a tea. This is the strongest method; however, decoction can be time-consuming, and some people have an aversion to the strong taste and smell of the herbs.

2. Powdered granules. These are dissolved in hot water. Convenient and effective, and still customizable for each client.

3. Pills. These "tea pills" are very small and easily swallowed. They are the most convenient and least expensive option, though they are less potent than the other choices.

Chinese herbs are usually meant to be taken over a longer period of time than Western medicines---weeks to months---and though results are often seen immediately, the effects are cumulative over time. Patient compliance is important for achieving maximal results.