Chinese
herbal medicine is part of a larger healing system, which also includes acupuncture, massage, diet and exercise. Herbs are
prescribed to correct in-balances of energy (Qi) that runs through invisible meridians in the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that every living thing is sustained by a balance of
two opposite energy forces, Yin and Yang. Together, they make up the life essence, or Qi, energy that flows through the body
via invisible channels called meridians. Half of certain organs and meridians are governed by Yin and the other half by Yang.
When Yin and Yang are out of balance in the body, this causes a blockage of Qi and illness.
Imbalances
can be caused by stress, poor diet, emotions or infection. Yin and Yang are subdivided into interior and exterior, hot and
cold, deficiency and excess. Further, everything including the human body; is composed of the five elements: fire, earth,
metal, water and wood.
Chinese herbal medicines are mainly plant based, but some preparations also include minerals
or animal products. Traditionally these animal products have used animal parts
from animals that are now endangered. For example, tiger bones are used by some
traditional practitioners to treat arthritis, while rhino horn has been used as an aphrodisiac. Using endangered animal is rightly criminal. Significant profits
are made from illegal poaching. Please don’t contribute to demand!
