Chinese herbalist is a very important part of the health care system in China. The goal of a Chinese herbalist is to treat patients by providing both diagnosis and treatment by using traditional Chinese medicines (or TCM). Chinese herbalists are masters in the diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses, including fever, colds, flu, stomach ulcers, kidney problems, skin disorders, pain, arthritis, allergies, cancer, blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, stress, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and many other health conditions. Herbal medicine has long been used to support the effectiveness of acupuncture, cupping, and herbal teas. Chinese herbalists often specialize in one area of illness, such as fever, colds, or fevers, and may use herbs from other parts of the world to treat a patient’s condition.
Chinese herbalists believe that all illness begins in the “energy field” or “qi” of a person. To relieve a person of the disease, the Chinese herbalist will use herbs to stimulate the flow of qi through the body, flowing throughout the entire system. Chinese herbal medicine is most commonly used to treat common diseases such as coughs, colds, flu, and stomach infections. However, few conditions are unique to China, and it is difficult for an English-speaking doctor to distinguish the various conditions that the patient may have.
Acupuncture is another one of the many treatments offered by Chinese herbalists. The Chinese describe acupuncture as the use of tiny needles (acne) placed into specific points on the body to unblock the body’s energy flow. The Chinese believe that when these aconite needles are inserted into the appropriate points, they will stimulate the flow of qi, or energy, throughout the body. Because the immune system is connected to the proper flow of qi, when there is a blockage, the immune system is affected, and it will produce symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu.
The most widely used Chinese herb is Panax ginseng, which is often referred to as a “cure-all” herb. Panax ginseng is the most commonly used herbal remedy for various conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, cancer, stress, and obesity. Many believe that Panax ginseng contains the highest level of natural healing power available, and it has been used successfully for centuries by herbalists in the east. The primary ingredient found in Panax ginseng is ginsenoside, which is responsible for its effect on the nervous system and is considered one of the more potent natural remedies available.
