What is Chinese Medicine? Your FAQ Answered
Answering common questions about herbal medicine and how Chinese medicine works.
What is traditional Chinese medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system that dates back over 2500 years. Its relevance and effectiveness has enabled it to remain in practice through the course of medical evolution. It encompasses a range of modalities, or what can be referred to as pillars, all of equal importance: acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal medicine, dietary therapy and physical exercise. The principles, theories and practical applications of this medicine focus on the balance of mind, body, spirit to optimize health and prevent illness.
How does traditional Chinese medicine work?
Its inherent principle is balance. Chinese medicine relies upon a unique system that promotes synergism in the body for health and wellness. It works in many ways, on many different levels, and takes into consideration the physical and mental-emotional aspects of an individual. It strengthens the body when weak, and also supports the whole person to maintain health and wellness.
How does The Wellness Principle incorporate principles and practices of Chinese medicine?
TWP incorporates traditional Chinese medicine through its customized treatments that provide the mind and body with diverse therapies to optimize health and wellness that correspond to unique individual profiles. Our holistic approach aligns with the principles of Chinese medicine by recognizing that no two people have the exact same issues. This is based on thousands of years of Chinese medicine principles, decades of clinical experience, and extensive research.
How effective is Chinese medicine?
Chinese medicine is most effective when incorporated on a daily basis. It is through a consistent and cumulative process that the body begins to respond to therapeutic care. Our practice recognizes that you are more than your condition and we don’t just want you to feel better today- but for years to come.
What is qi in Chinese medicine?
The concept of qi is at the heart of Chinese medicine. It’s often understood as energy, which is partially true. Qi is the life force and energy within you and all around you. This is reflected in physics that recognizes everything is energy, or matter. Qi is integral to life, growth, change and wellness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine FAQs
How does Chinese herbal medicine support the healing process? Our daily health and lifestyle is greatly influenced by habits, diet and routines. Simply put, Chinese medicine is restorative and promotes balance to the mind and body to break the cycles of stress that cause pain, imbalance and disease. Chinese herbal medicine recognizes the value of combining herbs to activate the actions of other botanicals to yield greater therapeutic potency. Unique herbal formulations are designed to focus on the individual aspects of a person’s physical and emotional terrain. It is this adaptability and flexibility that makes Chinese herbal medicine so effective in modern day, busy lifestyles. Ultimately, Chinese herbs aim to harmonize and strengthen the body's foundation and resilience when up against stress and disease.
Are there side effects from taking Chinese herbs?
We don’t expect you’ll experience negative side effects from herbal prescription. Chinese medicinals have been taken for thousands of years and a multitude of research indicates side effects from Chinese herbs are rare. However, you may notice mild stomach upset or change in bowel movements as your body adjusts to the herbs- which can be a good thing. This likely resolves after a few days.
Can I take Chinese herbs with other medications?
Research has discovered few legitimate herb-drug interactions. Rest assured our herbalists are extensively trained and remain up to date on new findings in scientific studies that examine potential benefits or risks in taking herbal supplements with prescriptions or over the counter medications.
Are there any medications I shouldn't take with the herbs?
There are several contraindications in prescribing Chinese herbs with pharmaceuticals. We collect your list of medications and review them with you in order to avoid negative interactions or outcomes when prescribing.
Do I take them with food or away from food?
Typically you want to take Chinese herbs on an empty stomach. We often recommend thirty minutes before a meal or 1-2 hours after. This improves absorption in the body. In the rare event that your stomach is bothered when doing this, you can take the supplements with a small amount of food or even with a cup of almond or coconut milk.
How long will it take for them to work?
In alignment with other therapeutic approaches and alongside your treatment plan, herbs will begin working within 3-5 days of starting your formulation. This of course depends on the condition being treated and how long it has been bothersome. For example, if you’ve had sleep problems for a decade, herbs need a longer period of time to begin regulating your sleep cycle. But if you just sprained your ankle, then herbs will work and benefit the healing within a day or two and we’d likely prescribe them for just a couple of weeks.
