Chinese herbal medicine is effective in health maintenance and disease prevention. To utilize herbs within the scope of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the herb properties that determine its function must be understood. Herbs have four properties: Temperature, taste, affinity, and primary action. Herbs do not possess a singular property, but are always a combination of properties that effect from one to twelve organ systems.

Temperature characteristics are described as cooling or heating. Taste properties include: Sour, bitter, sweet, bland, spicy, and salty. Affinity refers to an herb’s relation to a particular organ system. Primary action is the effect of a specific herb. Combinations of these four properties result in herb formulas tailored to treat different conditions and Yin/Yang energy imbalances. A formula typically consists of 4-20 herbs to treat the main pathology as well as secondary aspects of the illness. When combined, side effects of individual herbs are reduced.

Chinese herbal medicine uses more than 600 different herbs prescribed in different combinations to treat specific diseases. There are hundreds of classic formulas, composed primarily of herbs of plant origin. Chinese herbal formulas take into consideration the therapeutic effect of each herb as well as the combined effect of the herbs when processed together. A TCM practitioner often prescribes an herbal formula that enhances the energetic rebalancing efforts of acupuncture.

Chinese herbal medicine is used internally and externally. Internal formulas are prepared as powders, teas, extracts, and pills. External types are liniments, powders, extracts, pastes, and salves. Chinese herbal medicine is effective in treating digestive disorders, fatigue, influenza, chronic headaches, skin disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions.

Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and other TCM modalities are now practiced and integrated into many health care settings. Acupuncture & Massage College’s Master of Oriental Medicine program prepares graduates to work in clinics, hospitals, private practice, and university research centers. For more information contact Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500.