Traditional Chinese Medicine & Chinese Herbs
TCM= Traditional Chinese Medicine
"Asian medicine treats humans while Western medicine treats diseases."
--Asian Proverb
While the Western World only discovered Traditional Asian Medicine, or TAM, in the 1970s, inhabitants of the Far East have been enjoying its benefits for thousands of years.
TAM is a system of health and healing that works by helping people achieve a "balance" of yin and yang in their bodies. Yin and yang are opposing yet complimentary forces. When they are balanced, the body is in a harmonious state in which all parts work as intended and the body is empowered to heal itself.
One of the principle ways TAM promotes balance is through diet. All foods and herbs have yin (cold), yang (hot), or neutral tendencies. Eating too much or too little of one type of food, regardless of nutritional value, results in imbalance. To combat this, yin foods must be combined with yang foods in the right proportions.
When your body is in balance you will feel more fulfilled and your quality of life will be much better! Alternative or all natural health remedies provide a safer solution to health than prescribed drugs.
Alternative Healing can be described as any method of healing outside of traditional Western Medicine. Many other countries have used alternative health for years and the US is just now finally starting to realize the benefits of alternative health practices.
The ultimate goal of alternative health is prevention, accomplished through education and promotion of life-habits that create good health. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.
New Table of Contents
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
- Herbal Medicine
- Superfruits - Benefits Of Superfruits
- Alternative Health...The New Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Alternative All Natural Asian/Chinese Natural Health Books
- Mangosteen
- Goji Berry- Health Benefits Of Goji
- Superfruit Schisandra Berries
- Chinese Herb Rhodiola Rosea
- Astragalus Herbs Used To Boost Immune System
- Ginger Used In Chinese Medicine For Alternative Health Benefits
- All natural herbs and superfruits proven to balance your body!
- Traditional medicine
- Natural Health Feedback
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Category: Image - :ChineseMedicine-HK.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Traditional Chinese medicine/dried goods shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, China.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM (), includes a range of traditional medical practices originating in China. Although well accepted in the mainstream of medical care throughout East Asia, it is considered an alternative medical system in much of the Western world.
TCM practices include such treatments as herbal medicine (Category: wiktionary - :??|??), acupuncture, dietary therapy, and both Tui na and Shiatsu massage. Qigong and Taijiquan are also closely associated with TCM.
TCM claims to be rooted in meticulous observation of nature, the cosmos, and the human body, and to be thousands of years old. Major theories include those of Yin-yang, the Five Phases, the human body Channel system, Zang Fu organ theory, six confirmations, four layers, etc. Modern TCM was systematized in the 1950s under the People's Republic of China and Mao Zedong.
Herbal Medicine
Herbalism is a traditional medicinal or folk medicine practice based on the use of plants and plant extracts. Herbalism is also known as botanical medicine, medical herbalism, herbal medicine, herbology, and phytotherapy. The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal partsAcharya, Deepak and Shrivastava Anshu (2008): Indigenous Herbal Medicines: Tribal Formulations and Traditional Herbal Practices, Aavishkar Publishers Distributor, Jaipur- India. ISBN 9788179102527. pp 440..
Many plants synthesize substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans and other animals. These include aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins. Many are secondary metabolites, of which at least 12,000 have been isolated — a number estimated to be less than 10% of the total. In many cases, substances such as alkaloids serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Many of the herbs and spices used by humans to season food yield useful medicinal compounds.
Despite the increased popularity of herbal treatments, the safety and effectiveness of alternative medicines have not been scientifically corroboratedTalalay P. and Talalay P., "The Importance of Using Scientific Principles in the Development of Medicinal Agents from Plants", Academic Medicine, 2001, 76, 3, p238. and remain largely unknown.Eisenberg DM, Annals of Internal Medicine 127 (1991) Number 1 p61. A number of herbs are thought to be likely to cause adverse effects. Furthermore, "adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethalElvin-Lewis M., "Should we be concerned about herbal remedies,"Journal of Ethnopharmacology 75 (2001) 141-164.." Herbalists are often trained to take well-established risks into consideration when patients consult them.
Superfruits - Benefits Of Superfruits
Natural Health Remedies Steem From Superfruits and Herbs
Superfruit refers to a fruit having exceptional nutrient richness and antioxidant quality with appealing taste. The fruits have nutritional significance due to their nutrient richness, antioxidant value and anticipated health benefits.
While all fruits are filled with nutrients that are important for health, some exotic varieties have been found to contain such high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, etc., that they have been called "superfruits."
Alternative Health...The New Traditional Chinese Medicine
TCM theories derive from many sources including the theory of Yin-yang, the Five Phases, the human body Channel system, Zang Fu organ theory, and others.
This alternative health method eliminates common drugs and allows the body to naturally health with the help of herbal medicine.
Alternative All Natural Asian/Chinese Natural Health Books
Mangosteen
Health Benefits of Mangosteen Antioxidant Protection
Mangosteen fruit has been used for many years in alternative medicine. The benefits can be amazing!Mangosteen has been shown by researchers to be a source of xanthones, a nutrient that possesses potent antioxidant properties that work to help maintain intestinal health, strengthen the immune system, neutralize free radicals, help support cartilage and joint function, and promote a healthy seasonal respiratory system. It also contains bioflavonoids, which enhance vitamin C absorption, help maintain collagen and capillary walls, and aid the immune system.
Findings from Independent Scientific Studies on Health Benefits of Mangosteen are below. As you can see Mangosteen has many health benefits and half of them are not even listed!
1. Anti-fatigue (energy booster)
2. Powerful anti-inflammatory (prevents inflammation)
3. Analgesic (prevents pain)
4. Anti-ulcer (stomach, mouth and bowel ulcers)
5. Anti-depressant (low to moderate)
6. Anxyolytic (anti-anxiety effect)
7. Anti-Alzheimerian (helps prevent dementia)
8. Anti-tumor and cancer prevention (multiple categories cited)... shown to be capable of killing cancer cells
9. Immunomodulator (multiple categories cited) - helps the immune system
10. Anti-aging
11. Anti-oxidant
12. Anti-viral
13. Anti-biotic (modulates bacterial infections)
14. Anti-fungal (prevents fungal infections)
15. Anti-seborrheaic (prevents skin disorders)
16. Anti-lipidemic (blood fat lowering, LDL)
17. Anti-atherosclerotic (prevents hardening of arteries)
18. Cardioprotective (protects the heart)
19. Hypotensive (blood pressure lowering)
20. Hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic effect, helps lower blood sugar)
21. Anti-obesity (helps with weight loss)
22. Anti-arthritic (prevention of arthritis)
23. Anti-osteoporosis (helps prevent the loss of bone mass)
24. Anti-periodontic (prevents gum disease)
25. Anti-allergenic (prevents allergic reaction)
26. Anti-calculitic (prevents kidney stones)
27. Anti-pyretic (fever lowering)
28. Anti-Parkinson
29. Anti-diarrheal
30. Anti-neuralgic (reduces nerve pain)
31. Anti-vertigo (prevents dizziness)
32. Anti-glaucomic (prevents glaucoma)
33. Anti-cataract (prevents cataracts)
34. Pansystemic - has a synergistic effect on the whole body
Goji Berry- Health Benefits Of Goji
Lycium Berry- Goji.Lycium berry (goji) has been used for thousands of years by TAM physicians to slow down the effects of aging and strengthen immune function. One of the most famous doctors and herbalogists in Chinese history, Li Shizhen, mentions it in his medieval classic Materia Medica. It is also highly prized by Tibetan healers, who have used it for centuries to help with kidney, liver, eye, circulatory, and skin problems. The berries of this superfruit have been shown to contain powerful immune enhancing antioxidants such as polysaccharides, flavonoids, 19 amino acids, more beta carotene (the natural precursor to vitamin A) than carrots, more iron than spinach, and nearly as much vitamin C as oranges. It is also a wonderful source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E, and fatty acids.
Superfruit Schisandra Berries
Schisandra Berry Health Benefits
Schisandra berries....Schisandra berries used by TAM doctors help to build "wei qi," the defense energy of the body. They boost the immune system, reduce infections, help the body adapt to stress, and increase oxygen absorption, thus providing extra energy to each and every cell. Schisandra berries also stimulate and harmonize the processes of the internal organs to help control the balance of the body's physiological processes. This promotes feelings of well-being and improves physical endurance and performance.
True superfruits, they contain 190 nutrients and are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins C and E, bioflavonoids, and beta-carotene.
Chinese Herb Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a Chinese herb that enhances mental and physical performance so that memory and ability to focus may be increased. It also aids in protein synthesis and provides support for a positive mood. In Siberia it is known as the "Golden Root" and is used to ease coughs and tenderness.Rhodiola rosea is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and prevents high-altitude sickness. In one study, the Rhodiola rosea group decreased proofreading errors by 88% while the control group increased proofreading errors by 84%. Rhodiola rosea's effects are attributed to its ability to optimise serotonin and dopamine levels, due to monoamine oxidase inhibition and to its influence on opioid peptides such as beta-endorphins.
Astragalus Herbs Used To Boost Immune System
Astragalus is considered one of the world's greatest immune tonics. Astragalus has a history of use as an herbal medicine.It is a powerful herb used to boost the immune system by strengthening white blood cells and helping to prevent bacterial and viral infections by hindering their ability to replicate in the body. It is also used by many world class athletes to safely enhance performance by building stamina and promoting and maintaining heart and lung health. Ancient Chinese texts record the use of astragalus for tonifying the spleen, blood, and chi.
Ginger Used In Chinese Medicine For Alternative Health Benefits
Ginger is mentioned in many ancient Chinese herbal texts. In TAM it is known as a helpful agent for tonifying the stomach and spleen, aiding in digestion, and dispelling cold from the body. Ginger is included in as many as half of all Chinese herbal combinations, often to buffer the effects of stronger herbs and/or to enhance the effectiveness of others. Ginger supports the digestive process and has the ability to help settle occasional stomach upset and prevent motion sickness. "Goji berries have been shown to contain powerful immune enhancing antioxidants."
All natural herbs and superfruits proven to balance your body!
Chinese herbs and superfruits used in alternative medicine
- Mangosteen
- Goji
- Cili fruit
- Hawthorn berries
- Rhodiola rosea
- Schisandra berries
- Ginger
- Acai
- Thomas Edison
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous or folk medicine) comprises medical knowledge systems that developed over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine. Practices known as traditional medicines include herbal, Ayurveda, Siddha medicine, Unani, ancient Iranian medicine, Islamic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Muti, Ifá, and other medical knowledge and practices all over the globe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as:
: "the health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral-based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being."
Some Asian and African countries up to 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. When adopted outside of its traditional culture, traditional medicine is often called complimentary and alternative medicine. Herbal medicines can be very lucrative, generating billions of dollars in sales, but adulteration or counterfeit herbs can also be a health hazard.
The WHO also notes, though, that "inappropriate use of traditional medicines or practices can have negative or dangerous effects" and that "further research is needed to ascertain the efficacy and safety" of several of the practices and medicinal plants used by traditional medicine systems. Core disciplines which study traditional medicine include ethnomedicine, ethnobotany, and medical anthropology.
