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Enhance Your Well-Being With Traditional Chinese Medicine

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It’s undeniable that Western medicine has produced countless marvels. In recent years, however, a growing number of detractors have begun to point out some of the flaws inherent in the strictly science-based approach to medicine that is dominant in the West. Most troubling, these critics claim, is the tendency of Western doctors to focus solely on physical symptoms of illness.

In sharp contrast to this approach, traditional Chinese medicine is based on a holistic view of health. Practitioners of Chinese medicine focus on alleviating physical ailments, but they also take into consideration the mental, emotional, and spiritual components of well-being.

Indeed, the primary aim of traditional Chinese medicine is fostering the free flow of the life force, known as qi (pronounced “chee”). Illnesses are believed to develop when the flow of qi is blocked or impeded in some way.

Ancient Roots, Modern Relevance

Traditional Chinese medicine is a complex interweaving of the principles of herbal homeopathy and Taoist philosophy with origins that date back several millennia. In fact, the practice of Traditional Chinese medicine was fully established centuries before the modern practice of Western medicine came into existence.

Although the advent of Communism in China temporarily limited the practice of traditional Chinese medicine in some areas of the country, the tradition has remained vibrant and vital in spite of these restrictions. Today, traditional Chinese practitioners can be found in virtually every corner of the world.

For centuries, Western doctors dismissed the principles of traditional Chinese medicine as quackery. However, in recent years, the practice of traditional Chinese medicine has gained credibility and support from an unexpected ally – the scientific community.

Since the early 1990s, Western research teams have undertaken a series of investigations into the effectiveness of Chinese medicine. The results, published in many of the leading scholarly journals, have supported the usefulness of this approach in treating a variety of illnesses and symptoms, especially when combined with elements of Western medicine.

These findings are also supported by glowing reviews from a broad array of individuals who have given traditional Chinese medicine a try. Many patients who have turned to traditional Chinese medicine in desperation when science-based Western practitioners were unable to ease their symptoms have reported astonishing success rates.

Age-Old Herbal Antidotes for 21st Century Ailments

In the Western medical paradigm, doctors often focus their efforts on the part of the body where symptoms have developed. In traditional Chinese medicine, however, the origins and the manifestation of an imbalance can often occur in completely different areas of the body. For example, to a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, a sallow complexion, pale lips, or muscle weakness could all be signs of problems with the spleen.

Here’s an overview of some of the most frequently used herbal remedies that a practitioner might prescribe to restore your qi and put you on the path to enhanced well-being:

• Ginseng: Now well known in the West, ginseng is used to combat fatigue, enhance energy, and increase stamina.
• Schisandra: This lemony herb, also known as five-flavor berry, is used to bolster endocrine system function and ease liver problems. It is also sometimes used to alleviate the symptoms of allergy sufferers.
• Ginger: Not just used to flavor sushi or stir-fry, ginger is prized by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for its ability to treat nausea and stomach ailments, improve circulation, and provide a boost to slow metabolisms. It is also recommended as a non-hormonal method of regulating the menstrual cycle.
• Astragalus Root: This herb is a time-honored method for fortifying the qi, or life-force. It also bolsters immune system functioning and improves lung capacity in frequent cold sufferers or those with ongoing respiratory problems. It is also often used to diminish the production of perspiration.
• Dong Quai: This herb is often used to treat an array of feminine symptoms, ranging from menstrual cramps to hot flashes. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often refer to it as “women’s tonic” because of its usefulness with these problems.
• Licorice: If you’re a Twizzlers fan, you might be happy to hear that practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine often use herbal licorice to improve the taste of bitter herbal teas, as well as to strengthen other prescribed herbal blends. Licorice is also believed to treat ulcers and ease endocrine and immune system problems.

These represent just a few of the thousands of herbal concoctions that are part of the rich healing tradition tapped into by practitioners of Chinese medicine. If you want to develop a comprehensive health regimen, consult a qualified practitioner to get started.

However, if you simply want to explore a little on your own before engaging the services of a professional, you can easily brew herbal teas using ingredients that relate to your symptoms. Check out a library book or search the Internet for specific recipes, and your qi will be flowing freely in no time at all.