Five things you didn’t know about Chinese medicine

Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years, but it can be very foreign to some causing apprehension when considering it as a form of treatment to address disruptions in your health.

I was also very sceptical and almost fearful of trying Chinese medicine to treat my psoriasis. However, at the time other treatments had failed to improve the health of my skin.

To my surprise Chinese medicine alleviated my psoriasis within two months of starting the herbal medicine and as a result I commenced study in this modality of health to further understand how the ancient method helped when so many others couldn’t.

After 14 years in clinical practise I frequently hear the same apprehension and fear mixed with desperation in my patients that I once had.

Here are some things you should know:

1. Chinese medicine effectively treats the body before disease happens. That doesn’t mean disease happens overnight, for example diabetes takes seven years to develop. However, during that time a person will feel a variety of symptoms and commonly describes “not feeling like themselves”. Chinese medicine recognises these changes and can address the body to bring it back to wellness. The practitioner of Chinese medicine will discuss your diet and lifestyle and make recommendations of change to you so that you will experience better health sooner and have long-term benefits.

2. Chinese medicine is described as complementary as it works well with other modalities of health, including Western medicine. In China, doctors are trained in both Chinese and Western medicines. It is believed they target the body’s health concerns differently and with that can work well for patients in helping them restore their health.

3. In Australia, animal products are used seldom in the treatment of diseases. Many clinics, like my own, are free of any animal products and patients have responded well to the herbs used, which are plant based.

4. Not all brands of acupuncture needles are made in the lab. It should be a common practise for practitioners of Chinese medicine to use Japanese needles that are made from surgical stainless steel in laboratories. Needles should also be disposed of in a sharps container after each use. Before you book in for an acupuncture treatment it is important you discuss these matters with your practitioner and ensure you are confident with their clinical protocols to ensure your health and safety.

5.Chinese herbs are required to pass rigorous testing when being imported into Australia. Practitioner-prescribed herbs and the facilities the herbs are manufactured in are TGA approved. There are also companies in Australia that manufacture their own herbs and guarantee quality assurance. When seeking assistance for your health through Chinese medicine you should see a qualified practitioner of Chinese medicine to ensure you are given the best treatment.

Have you ever tried Chinese medicine? Would you give it a try to relieve yourself of an ailment?