FAQ-Chinese herbal medicine

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCHM) is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world originating in China thousands of years ago. The ancient Chinese relied on acupuncture and some herbs to maintain their health, but it was sometimes between the 2nd century B.C. and the 2nd century A.D. that the the theoretical foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine were laid. Besides modern medicine, TCM is the only alternative medicine which has established a unique system consisting of its own medical principles, diagnostic standard and medicinal herbs . It uses Chinese herbs, acupuncture and/or manipulation to alter disease process and the state of mind as well as to enhance recuperative power and capacity for pleasure, work and creativity. It frequently integrates diet, exercise and meditation in its treatment plan.

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What is difference between allopathic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine?

While Western Medicine may heroically rescue you, traditional Chinese Medicine focus on re-establishing functional harmony in order to restore your health to your body and mind. The key benefit of traditional Chinese medicine is prevention. In general, human health condition can be classified into 4 stages: health stage, sub-health stage, which is pre-disease state, disease stage, recovery (post-treatment) stage. While Western medicine treats diseases, traditional Chinese Medicine deals with health problem at all 4 stages. If you go to visit a medical doctor, he will order all the tests, and concludes that you are completely normal if the test results come normal even though you feel ill. If you visit a doctor of traditional Chinese Medicine, he will tell you possible health problem, and recommend treatments. I believe this is very common scenario these days for many patients. Anything wrong with Western Medicine? Anything magic with traditional Chinese Medicine? No. Your Western doctor is right, since you are MEDICALLY normal; your traditional Chinese medical doctor is correct as well, since you are not healthy. Traditional Chinese Medicine detects any functional disorders which may proceed to any measurable biochemical or pathological changes. This early detection and intervention definitely has an impact on the disease-forming process. We call it as Prevention. Likewise, We look at the post-treatment stage. Whereas Western Medicine does nothing to facilitate the recovery process, traditional Chinese medicine will provide you with herbs, acupuncture and diets in order to further better your health. In the case of chronic diseases, TCM is again a perfect choice.

Comparison of Western Medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine

	Western Medicine	Traditional Chinese Medicine
Features	Evidence-based science Solution for biological abnormality Invasive intervention	Health-based science Solution for imbalance Non-invasive intervention
Diagnosis	Biological test Microscopy Modern technology Surgery	Functional changes Subjective observation and palpation Emotional changes Diet evaluation Environmental changes Climate and seasonal changes
Treatment	Chemical compounds Surgery Supplementary therapies such as physical and occupational therapies, psychotherapy	Chinese herbs Minor surgery Acupuncture Chinese manipulation (Tuina) Qi-Kong (Chinese meditation) TaiJiQuan (Chinese exercise)
Cons& Pros	Pros: Precise diagnosis Better control of acute infection Quicker relief of symptoms Emergency Necessary surgery Cons: Poor strategy of prevention Less effective treatment for chronic diseases Negligence of etiology such as lifestyle, nutrition, social factors Severe side effects	Pros: Better strategy of Prevention Holistic approach Etiology-aware treatment plan effective treatment for chronic diseases Minimal side effects Cons: Lack of microscopic diagnosis lack of scientific evidences

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What can Traditional Chinese medicine treat?

Theoretically, traditional Chinese medicine can treat any medical problems. TCM contains internal medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, and Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) medicine. However, conventional medicine is much better at Emergency, surgery and control of acute infection.

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What is standard procedure in a traditional Chinese medicine clinic?

During your visit, you should bring any medical documents to your practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire collecting your medical history and basic personal information. Your practitioner will obtain a complete picture of your health state, daily diet, habit, behavior which may contribute to the condition. During the consultation, it is very important for patients to describer your symptoms and daily physical activities in details, since a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine depends mainly on your subjective description. After Chinese medical examine, your practitioner will explain to you possible diagnosis and treatment plan, Chinese herbs will be prescribed and formulated at same time.

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How much does it cost?

It depends on your practitioner, herbal store, and location. Average cost for 1 week of herbal supply will cost from $30 to $80, however, it may vary based on dosage and kinds of herbs. These fees may be covered by your insurance plan under paramedical services (naturopathy)

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How do I take Chinese herbs?

Traditionally, a formula of raw Chinese herbs is prepared by a practitioner, and brewed by a patient at home. To date, Chinese herbs are readily available in packaged patent formula of pills, concentrated powders, teas or liquid extracts. These forms of Chinese herbs are getting popular because they are easy to be taken.

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Are Chinese herbs safe to be used?

Certainly. Chinese herbs have been widely used in China for thousands of years. It is very safe to use Chinese herbs if they are prescribed by a licensed doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditionally, Chinese herbs are prescribed in the mixture of different raw herbs, and are brewed by patients themselves. To date, Chinese herbs are readily available in packaged patent formula of pills, powders, tea or liquid extracts.

There are some ''toxic" Chinese herbs among thousands of Chinese herbs. Those herbs are safe to be used if they are used properly. For example, Ma Huang , a Chinese herb is prescribed for treating asthma and cold. It contains ephedrine element which produces adrenaline-like effects.. Some patients use Ma Huang for years for losing weight resulting in a heart problem. It is the typical case of misuse of the herb (in terms of the length of the used) rather than the problem of herb itself.

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Revised: February 19, 2011 .

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