Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
An Ancient Practice of Timeless Perspectives
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Chinese Herbal Medicine

At the foundation of traditional Chinese medicine is the philosophy that the cosmos and the human being, indeed all life, are subject to natural law and order. Both Yin Yang Theory and Five Phase Theory describe the natural forces that influence an individual's health and form an important theoretical basis for the treatment of disease. Chinese herbs are used to help realign an individual with these natural forces to insure greater well-being and quality of life.

The traditional Chinese materia medica consists of hundreds of herbs, each of which is categorized by its primary function and qualified by its taste (bitter, sweet, acrid, salty, sour, or bland), temperature (hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold) and channel(s) of influence (Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, etc.). For example, raw Gan Cao (Radix Glycryrrhizae), or raw licorice root, is a Qi Tonic that has a sweet flavor and a neutral temperature and enters all 12 Primary Channels. Most herbs have multiple functions, and many may be used both internally and externally.

Single herbs are carefully combined to create more complex formulas used to treat without side effects a variety of diseases and imbalances, such as headache, joint pain, common colds and flu, digestive problems, PMS, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, insomnia, and emotional imbalances, to name a few. Furthermore, much scientific research has been done to verify the effectiveness of herbal therapy.

Chinese Nutrition

We each need food to sustain ourselves and to maintain our strength, health and general well-being. Through the act of choosing, preparing and eating our foods, we commune with the Earth and take in the nourishment we need from the natural world. When we become imbalanced in our lives, it is important to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world and learn how best to take care of ourselves.

According to Chinese nutritional theory, each food is characterized by taste, temperature and channel(s) of influence. For example, oats are sweet and cooling and are taken to support the Spleen and stop diarrhea, while beef is sweet and warming and tonifies Qi, the Spleen and Stomach, and strengthens tendons and bones.

Foods are added to or eliminated from the diet to treat energetic imbalances and patterns of disharmony, as well as physical symptoms, including but not limited to pain, sluggishness, indigestion, acne, headache, constipation or diarrhea. When used properly, food therapy supports the natural healing process and adds new flavor and enjoyment to life.