Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese doctors use herbs along with such techniques such as acupuncture, diet and exercise to provide a complete system of medical treatment. The goal is to regulate the flow through the body of vital energy called qi. The therapist examines you as a whole person, taking into account the health of your mind, body and spirit. He or she will examine your hair, eyes, skin and tongue, and also check your pulse.

The practitioner will recommend a treatment program to suit your particular symptoms rather than to cure a specific ailment. Chinese doctors prescribe from a wide variety of herbs, including some, such as ginseng and ginkgo, which are now well known in the West. The herbs are selected for such properties such as their ability to warm, cool, affect specific organs of the body, and regulate the flow of qi. For example, cooling herbs might be prescribed if you have a high temperature. You will usually be asked to make several return visits so the therapist can review the treatment. As Chinese herbalism is part of a complete medical system, practitioners claim to be able to treat a wide range of disorders.