In today's world of too-much-hurry and too-much-worry, peace and happiness can be hard to find. In today's high tech environment, the pathway to health remains constant. One sure approach is to look to times past to seek the wisdom of the ancients. Timeless answers apply to today's modern problems. Ancient traditions applied in modern times can restore harmony to a life out of balance, and balance in life is synonymous with good health.
For thousands of years, the Chinese carefully charted and observed the interaction of herbs in the human condition. The Chinese developed a strategy and system of herb use that remains unsurpassed in the world. Critical in understanding the basics of this complex system is the foundation upon which it rests. Chinese Herbal medicine works by restoring natural balance in the body. Everyone has an innate ability to heal. The proper herbs release this divinely appointed power to heal from within.
The Law of Yin and Yang describes balance. According to this theory, all things can be categorized in this system. Yin and Yang are opposites and yet complimentary traits. For example, view the following list:
| Yang | Yin |
| Hot | Cold |
| External | Internal |
| Excess | Deficient |
| Dry | Wet |
| Heaven | Earth |
| Sun | Moon |
| Food energy | Food nutrient |
| Hollow organs | Solid organs |
| Back | Front |
By analyzing the patient's life and health, the corrective treatment can be prescribed. By careful examination of the patient a pattern emerges. This pattern is descriptive of the patient's health status. Treatment by herbs or acupuncture is applied to that pattern.
As the pattern of health improves so does the patient's health and well-being. It is paramount that the patient understand the focus of the treatment. In Chinese and Chiropractic medicine the focus is on health, not the offending disease. Here is an analogy. Darkness by definition is the absence of light. It is actually nothing, just the lack of something. Disease, like darkness is a simple lack of something, specifically health. In and of itself disease is really nothing. As a result the treatment of health is very different from the treatment for disease. The herbs are designed to restore healthy balance. Look at the following list:
| Chinese Medicine | Western Medicine |
| Patient oriented | Disease Oriented |
| Less invasive | Invasive |
| Assists body function | Dominates body function |
| Disease is a learning process | Disease is an enemy |
| Disease is the result of wrong habits | Disease is an enemy that attacks |
| Promotes maximum health | Treats the disease not health |
| Few, if any, side effects | Often severe side effects |
| Promotes self responsibility | Requires surrender of patient |
| Objective: vibrant health | Objective: lack of symptoms or disease |
Chinese herbs are used to restore maximum health. This process can be quick or it may take a long time. The duration, severity and seriousness of the condition as well as the patient's ability to heal are all critical factors in determining the outcome and length of care. Old habits often must be changed. Emotions must be harmonious, and lifestyle needs to be consistent with a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Guidelines: Normal doses for the herb is 3 pills/capsules, 3 times per day of each type recommended. The herbs may be taken with meals. There should be no side effects. If you experience side effects stop taking the herbs and contact the Doctor. It doesn't mean the herbs are bad for you. They are just not right for your particular situation. Plan to continue the recommended herbs until you are instructed to stop them. Discuss them at each visit. Normally herbs will show a positive effect within two weeks.
Herbs, when properly applied, are safe. Many news stories have surfaced about dangers with herbs. The fact remains that herbs, properly acquired and utilized, are safe and very beneficial. For a wellness program to be complete herbs should be considered. When harmony is reestablished in the body, harmony in life becomes attainable.
