Oriental herbal medicine is part of a holistic system which has been practiced for more than 3,000 years. The focus of the system is the qi or vital energy. You can find oriental herbal medicine all over the world. It is used to diagnose the health condition of people and after proper diagnosis, treatment will be given. The practitioner will then set therapeutic goals and one of the ways to address the current heath condition of the patient is by using oriental herbal medicine.
Through the years, the number of useful herbs has greatly increased. The unique properties of herbs were studied considerably in order to determine their special properties that address certain organs or systems of the body. The therapeutic functions of the herbs are determined by their taste. For instance, acrid herbs move and disperse while sweet herbs can tonify. Other tastes are:
- Bitter – drain and dry
- Sour – astringe and it can be used to reverse unusual leakage of energy and fluids
- Bland – promotes urination and leach out
- Salty – soften and purge
Inherent herbal temperatures determine the clinical application. Hot illnesses or diseases can be treated using cooling herbs and warm herbs should be used for cold diseases. Only after appropriate diagnosis can the treatment strategy be determined and the right formula is incorporated. Specific herbs will be carefully chosen to make the formula then it is given to the patient together with the instructions on how to take it.
Oftentimes, oriental herbal medicine is given in conjunction with massage or acupuncture. This is necessary to nourish and support the body. All the bodily aspects that are considered weak and deficient are replenished. Oriental herbs induce sweating and clear pathogens. Laxative herbs can help people drain and get rid of harmful toxin build up. The oriental herbs can help in regulating the functions of the organ systems. Herbs are powerful. They can clear heat or warm the interiors, depending on the situation. Stagnations and accumulations can be reduced. Oriental herbal medicine is an excellent alternative medicine. It should only be used with the supervision of the experts.
Practitioners usually have a lot of herbal granules and the formulas are created from the available granules. Each formula is created depending on the condition of the individual who will take it. If the medical condition improves or changes, such formula will be modified. Oriental herbal medicines are non-addictive. Adults can use it without experiencing any side effects. Even little children can take herbal formulas. Acute medical conditions will require higher dosage for about a week while chronic illnesses should be treated for longer periods.
Did you know that the foods you eat can worsen or improve your present health condition or problem? The treatment progress of using oriental herbs can be affected by the foods you eat. You can ask the practitioner about the foods that you should eat while you’re taking the formulas. It’s really hard to change old eating habits but you may be able to do it gradually. Try to learn about the healthy choices of foods and incorporate them in your diet little by little.
Oriental herbal medicines are safe. The body has natural healing properties and herbs can encourage that property. At present, herbs are already available in granules, pill capsules, and tinctures. You should consult a qualified Oriental medicine practitioner to ensure safety.
There is a big difference between conventional western drugs and oriental herbal medicine. The former treats only the symptoms of the disease while the latter addresses the root cause.
People are free to choose between conventional medicine and the oriental herbal medicine. Safety is always an issue whenever you’re trying to cure a certain health condition. You should only rely on the experts if you want only the best results. Now that you’re familiar with oriental herbal medicine, do you think it will work for you? Consult a qualified practitioner now.