Going back 5,000 years, Chinese Medicine, and Chinese Herbal Medicine in particular is the oldest and longest standing healthcare system in history. Chinese Herbal Medicine has evolved throughout the centuries as clinical and environmental conditions changed and research uncovered new and better treatments. It began in China and quickly grew momentum in other East Asian countries. Historically it was highly localized, based on the flora and fauna of specific areas. More recently, it has started to gain popularity in the West due to its gentle effectiveness and lack of side-effects.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a holistic healthcare approach that can treat a wide range of conditions. It’s complemented by exercise in breathing and movement, acupuncture, and dietary therapy. It is rooted in the concept of Yin and Yang, the theory of balance and harmony that underlies all of Chinese Medicine. All illness or disharmony can be thought of as an imbalance of Yin and Yang. This could mean a deficiency or excess of one or the other, which could manifest as a specific disease or pain pattern. Chinese Herbal Medicine works to gently correct these underlying disharmonies to help restore balance.

There are over 450 medicinal substances currently used in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Most are of plant origin, but some are animal-based or made from minerals. Most ingredients are either leaves, fruits, seeds, or roots. For my fellow vegetarians, a formula can always be modified to substitute out any animal-based ingredients.

Herbal Treatment vs. Modern Pharmacology

When you consider whether to investigate herbal medicine treatments, you will most probably wonder whether modern pharmacology isn’t better for you. Western medicine can often stop symptoms more quickly, after all. Here are some major reasons why I think you should give herbal medicine a try:

Conditions That Can Be Treated by Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine strengthens and enhances normal body functions; it boosts the immune system and strives to find a general sense of balance and well-being. Conditions which are commonly treated by herbal medicine include:

Loquat trees are commonly found in Bay Area gardens. The leaves are used medicinally to treat heat in the stomach and lungs.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Facts

If you’re unsure whether Chinese Herbal Medicine is right for you, here are a few answers to questions or concerns you may have:

Chinese Herbal Medicine Clinic San Francisco

photo credit: Cjboffoli

In Chinese Herbal Medicine, we place a strong emphasis on lifestyle management to prevent disease, rather than to cure a condition. To us, health is more than just the absence of disease. Although we treat illnesses, too, we firmly believe in ongoing health maintenance with herbal medicine.

We all have the capacity to maintain and enhance our own well-being and happiness. Give me a call if you are ready to start treatment or if you have any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with me.