Concepts of Herbal Medicine and History

 The concept of herbal medicine that evolved in China over the years has some striking differences when compared to herbal medicine principles that were developed throughout the years in Europe. The most notable difference is that in the European and Western tradition they use single herbs as medicines while in China they combine herbs when preparing herbal medicines. In the Western concept of herbal medicine the focus is placed on specific diseases and health problems and an herbal medicine is prepared to fight the disease and reduce unwanted symptoms. The Chinese concept requires the herbal practitioner to create a healing process for the specific individual rather than a specific disease.

·        Chinese Herbal Medicine – History

 Going back to ancient times, Chinese herbalists prepared remedies which included herbal medicines and magic. It is believed that during the twelfth century that the principles of Chinese medicine began to be utilized in the practice of herbal medicine. This application was developing and the theoretical base was being discussed and evaluated during the fourteenth century and through the nineteenth century. During the twentieth century the theories of diseases from the Western World were studied and applied by the Chinese to the concepts of Chinese herbal medicines in various ways. Currently in China the ideas of traditional herbal medicine are typically combined with modern drug treatments.

·        Concepts of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Tidbit #2: Throughout history, ancient civilizations in Egypt, India and China used herbal medicine for all illnesses as well as for taking care of their injured warriors. Over the years they perfected their practices but unfortunately, most of the botanicals that were compounded were not written down and subsequent generations had to rely on the memories of their elders to carry on the practice of herbal medicine in those cultures.

 When you study the principles of traditional Chinese medicine you discover the notion that a person will live in good health when the body is in balance and the energy in the body is not obstructed and is freely flowing throughout the body. Chinese use the term “Qi” which is considered to be the life energy that stimulates the human body. When the Chinese mention balance and the body they are referring to the “yin” and “yang” which are thought of as the forces of opposition found in the vast universe. Yin and yang can be seen in simplistic examples such as damp versus dry or cold versus hot.

 If outside influences or internal problems cause the yin and the yang in the body to get out of balance disease and illness can occur. Chinese herbalists attempt to discover the factors that have lead to this out of balance situation and try to bring the body back into balance. Chinese traditionalists pay close attention to the pulse and use palpating techniques on parts of the body and ask their patients numerous questions.

 In the Chinese concepts of herbal medicine herbs are used to treat just about all diseases that Chinese herbalists encounter. They may also suggest what to eat for meals, suggest changes in life style including having your bed facing the south and not to the north and they will probably promote exercise. The concepts of herbal medicine are still used today although in many cases they are combined with modern medicines and treatments.