Herbal Medicine
What it is and How it Works
Herbal medicine is one of the two major forms of treatment used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are thousands of herbal formulas used to effectively treat a wide range of diseases.
Chinese herbal medicine is administered using the TCM theory based on Qi or vital energy which flows through the body and is influenced by the complementary opposites of yin and yang.
These concepts form the basis for all TCM disease processes, diagnoses and treatments. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, the imbalance can result in disease or illness. The correct diagnosis of the disease or illness is then distinguished within a framework known as “pattern differentiation” and “differential diagnosis.”
Diagnoses and Treating the Root Cause
Pattern differentiation is the primary principle used in order to identify and treat the root cause of each condition.
The herbalist begins with an in-depth consultation to assess a patient’s overall health, diet, lifestyle choices and emotional state.
After identifying the disease pattern, the appropriate herbal formulas are prescribed.
Quality Assurance on Herbal Medicine
At IMeG Health™, we take extraordinary steps to ensure that we prescribe the safest and most effective medicinals. All our products are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) approved and meticulously screened for contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Some TCM herbal medicines that are commonly used are considered toxic if used inappropriately, however our practitioners are thoroughly trained in the use of these medicinals to ensure safe and effective use.
Can Herbs Be Used with Drugs?
In order to provide the most accurate and current information available, we have taken a proactive approach by creating the IMeG Health™ Evidence Based Drug Herb Interaction Project.
We are presently developing a system to manage these studies with a twofold goal:
- To provide a readily available, quick and easy to read source for our patients in order to make informed decisions.
- To create a credible, current and reliable source for medical professionals.
While our system is still in development, we have already successfully compiled information on drug interactions with over 40 herbs. Our studies are ongoing and we welcome any comments or feedback that you may have.
Conditions Treated with Herbal Medicine
Considering the vast history coupled with the extensive pharmacology, virtually any condition can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine. However, herbal medicine is most effective for chronic conditions, and less effective in very acute or emergency situations. It should be stressed that some conditions such as cancer, respond infinitely better to a comprehensive approach of conventional Western medicine combined with Chinese herbal medicine.
Some of the most commonly treated conditions with Chinese herbal medicine are:
- Gynecological conditions including pre-menstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, infertility
- Skin disease including eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria
- Gastro-intestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, ulcerative colitis
- Hepatitis and HIV: since there have been promising results in the treatment of Hepatitis C, supportive treatment may be beneficial in the case of HIV
- Chronic fatigue syndromes: either 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 such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Urinary conditions including chronic cystitis
- Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety
- Children's diseases
Regulation
In 1996, the College of Acupuncturists of BC was established and by 1999, the first registrants were granted the professional title “Registered Acupuncturist” and the college was renamed the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of BC to include herbal practitioners. In fact, BC was the first jurisdiction outside of China to grant the title “Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine." All practitioners at IMeG Health™ are fully licensed by the CTCMA.
If you have any questions about herbal medicine email us at info@IMeGHealth.com or call us at our Vancouver office to find out how herbal medicine can help you.
