Herbalism 

Chinese herbal medicines have been used for treatment in health as far back as 3000 years BC and today their use has been sustained by medical research and modern medical diagnostic techniques.

Because of its clinical effectiveness it has become popular in the West providing an alternative to modern medicine and used in treating a wide range of conditions including:

• Skin disease, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria

• Gastro-intenstinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis

• Gynaecological conditions, including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility

• Hepatitis and HIV: some promising results have been obtained for treatment of Hepatitis C, and supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV

• Chronic fatigue syndromes, whether with a background of viral infection or in other situations

• Respiratory conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis

• Rheumatological conditions (e.g. osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)

• Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis

• Psychological problems (e.g. depression, anxiety) (www.rchm.co.uk)

Our resident Herbalist Jim Si So believes “that Chinese Medicine helps redress the natural healing potential of the human body.  Modern life and stress are the factors that diminish that ability whereas the whole philosophy of Chinese medicine aims to restore the equilibrium.  Many of the herbs used are easily affordable and the side-effects of treatment are minimalised compared to some pharmaceutical products.”

Chinese Herbal Medicine can provide an excellent alternative to conventional medicine, especially for long term treatment.  The tradition also takes a prophylactic approach placing a great emphasis on lifestyle management in order to prevent disease before it occurs. Chinese medicine recognises that health is more than just the absence of disease and it has a unique capacity to maintain and enhance our capacity for well being and happiness.

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