HERBAL MEDICINE PRACTICE & TCM- DO THEY WORK FOR ME?

Herbs have been used in the healing process for centuries. Herbal medicine treatment today is the use of herbal plants, with traditional health benefits, proven by clinical trials and solid research to be a benefit. Herbal medicine approaches the patient with a holistic viewpoint. The goal is to treat the entire person and the cause of the illness rather than look only the symptoms. Qualified herbalist hold the appropriate degrees and are trained to consult people much like a GP would. 

Herbal Medicine – Just What Is It?

In herbal medicine, plants are the basis for the treatment. Depending upon the plant involved the leaves, roots, flowers or the entire plant may be used. Often the different parts of the plant have varying medicinal purposes. Fresh herbs or dried herbs may be used. They can be in the form of tinctures, creams, capsules, or powdered. It all depends on what it is being used for, such as topically for creams or internal for capsules.

 Herbal Medicine & TCM

There are many benefits to using herbal medicine to treat illness and disease. The whole body approach that is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, looks for gentle, natural ways of healing. TCM has basically three major approaches when dealing with a patient. They look at the patient for a broad view.

1. Environment and external factors are taken into consideration. How are they impacting health?
2. Not just healing the health issue but helping the patient make lifestyle changes in areas such as exercise, diet, and relaxation.
3. Dealing with internal factors such as what stress factors are impacting the patient and then addressing those issues.

When herbs are used for healing, they are gentler on the patient. The person can focus on all areas of wellness, not just the particular problem. Herbal medicine fits perfectly in the treatment plans 

 Benefits Of Herbal Medicine

There are many benefits of the herbal medicine and TCM for different areas. For centuries countries around the world have been using healing herbs in the treatment of a myriad of health problems. Here are some of the ways anyone can benefit from the use of herbal medicine:

1. It’s natural – therefore it’s gentle on the body, and you know exactly what you are dealing with.
2. It can be more affordable – as herbs are much more affordable than some pharmaceuticals medicine. As an example healing herbs, such as ginger, are common everyday herbs available to anyone.
3. The goal is healing – not just treatment of symptoms, which is often the case in modern medicine.
4. Easier to obtain – you don’t need a prescription for herbals, however, a professional opinion is a must to have before start making use of it. 
5. Holistic healing – many herbal treatments, while being used to target problems, are very healing to the entire body.
6. Herbalists consult you as a person – you aren’t just going to be looked for some time and then handed a prescription. It will be an interactive conversation and learn who you are and how they can best help.

Finding a Practitioner

If you are in need of a herbalist, or a qualified TCM practitioner, the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine ( SITCM) can help. It’s an excellent place to start if you are looking for a career in TCM. Contact them today and let them share their expertise with you.

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