More About Chinese Medicine

Chinese herbal formulas usually combine 8-15 herbs in a way that accomplishes these goals. In Classical Chinese medicine, formulas prioritize the above 3 goals in the order they are listed. We find that when #1 is the top priority, this is the most efficient way of accomplishing #2 and #3, as opposed to choosing herbs and formulas because they are said to be a specific remedy for a particular sign or symptom.

When the symptoms are few or minor, there is typically more emphasis on the underlying pattern of imbalance — or the ‘root’ — and any minor symptoms usually resolve as this is treated. When symptoms are severe, the formulas may target them more, while still addressing the root to some degree. Once the symptoms improve sufficiently, the root is addressed in order to prevent symptoms from recurring.  Much of the time, formulas are focused on the pattern of imbalance, with some minor modifications to help with specific signs and symptoms.

Since the treatment targets the root of the disease more so than the disease itself, and is further individualized depending on each patient’s constitution, a dozen people all with the same Western diagnosis may all receive very different Chinese herbal formulas. 

Once symptoms have resolved, or before symptoms have begun to manifest, patterns of imbalance can still be recognized through more subtle signs from the body, such as slight differences in temperature, energy, sleep, digestion, emotions, pulse, and tongue.  In this way, Chinese herbal medicine can help to bring balance in personalized ways in order to maintain health. Chinese herbal medicine is incredibly powerful, and with just a couple small cup of tea or a few droppers of tincture daily!