More than three hundred herbs that are commonly used today can be traced back over 3,000 years ago to the herbal tradition of China. These herbs, and other more recently discovered ones, can significantly increase the effectiveness of conventional medical therapies, often reducing adverse side effects.

A Chinese medicine practitioner may compose a specific herbal formula for a patient, which is frequently altered over a course of therapy. For other patients, prepared formulas may be utilized without modification. Based on health outcomes during treatment, the formula may be changed to another, modified or discontinued.

In the United States, Chinese medicine practitioners are usually trained in the use of Chinese herbs as a component of a three- or four-year Master´s of Oriental Medicine Degree program that also includes training in Oriental medical theory, acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and dietary therapy.

Herbs commonly used in Chinese herbal formulas include: Ginseng, licorice, ginger, bupleurum, astragalus, cinnamon, peony, rhubarb, atractylodes, salvia, and rehmannia, among others. Herbal formulas combine herbs based on the therapeutic activities of each herb as well as the health benefits that result from their combined actions.

Several Chinese herbs are combined into a formula to treat the particular health condition of the individual. Chinese herbs are added to formulas to treat symptoms and to correct the root imbalance of the illness. This is often referred to as "treating the root while treating the branches." Formulas are prescribed based upon the pattern diagnosis of the patient according to Chinese medical theory.

Chinese herbs are categorized according to their effects: ascending and descending. These effects guide Chi flow and blood circulation. Additionally, Chinese herbs are categorized into five taste types (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty). Taste types are associated with the therapeutic action of the individual herb, such as dehydrating properties or dispersing effects.

A third categorization defines herbs, according to their properties, as either cool, cold, warm, or hot. Herbs with cool or cold properties are used to treat health conditions defined as warm or hot in nature. Herbs with warm or hot properties are used to treat illnesses that are defined as cool or cold.

Chinese herbs have been used for the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, pain management and for health maintenance. The majority of basic Chinese herbs used in practice are derived from plant sources, while the rest are from mineral and animal sources.

The practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) encompasses several traditional disciplines, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, massage, and exercise. Operating from a holistic perspective, Chinese herbal medicine is one component, among others, which emphasizes preventative treatment and wellness.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College´s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.