Chinese herbal medicine works in a similar way to acupuncture, by strengthening and balancing the functions of the organs of the body. Chinese medicine utilises hundreds of different medicinal substances, primarily the bark, berries, leaves, roots, seeds, twigs of plants and trees with some animal and mineral products (although these are not used now because it is illegal to use animal and mineral products in the UK). Most Chinese herbalists use over 200 herbs from which to make their formulas. Herbs are combined according to one of the 600 classical prescriptions, all of which can be modified to suit the specific needs of the individual.
A herbal prescription may contain up to 16 or more different herbs, each herb has a specific action in treating the complicated patterns of disharmony in the body. As a patient improves in health the prescription is modified accordingly. Initially a prescription may contain more herbs to tackle the symptoms of an illness, with some herbs to treat the underlying cause. As symptoms improve the herbs treating the underlying cause are increased, while decreasing the herbs dealing with the symptoms as they are no longer needed. It is important for the practitioner to ascertain the subtle changes in a patient’s constitution in order to be able to make the necessary modifications to a prescription. This means that the process of treatment is a progressive and is reflected in the prescriptions as they change is accordance with the improvement in the patients health.
Traditionally Chinese herbs are boiled and then drunk, which is still favoured by many practitioners and considered the best way to take the herbs. Generally speaking most patients prefer to take the herbs in capsules. With modern processing techniques it is now possible to have tailor made prescriptions made from concentrated powders and then put into capsules. Another method favoured by people who don''t like capsule or boiled herbs are taking the herbs as a drink by dissolving the powder in warm water.
In recent years there have been a number of safety issues with regard to Chinese herbal medicine. Providing that you are consulting a qualified Chinese herbalist and using a reputable supplier then there should be no problem at all, Chinese herbal medicine rarely has side effects at all.
The prescriptions you receive from Stephen Lee are supplied by Balance Healthcare, who are an approved supplier with the Register of Chinese Medicine, which means that they have passed a rigorous quality control audit and continue to be audited each year.
Stephen Lee has been practising Chinese herbal medicine in Northampton since qualifying in 1991.
Abington Park Clinic Acupuncture Chinese Herbal Medicine Northampton Northamptonshire
