Chinese herbal medicine is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a system of medicine that is very different than western medicine, with roots in the ancient culture of China. The practice today of herbalism in TCM combines some of the progress of western medical diagnosis and treatment with the TCM system of herbal prescription. Individual practitioners of TCM may differ in their approach, but treatments are still largely based on an herbal wisdom that has been growing for thousands of years.
History of TCM and Chinese Herbalism
The practice of medicine in China dates back to the beginnings of civilization, and some of the earliest known texts from China are guides to medical practice. The Huangdi Neijing, or Yellow Emperor's Cannon of Internal Medicine, dates to at least the first century and is likely a collection of work that was originally from before the Christian Era (BCE). TCM, as a whole, is based largely on the advance of ideas that date to the "classics" of medicine, including the Huangdi Neijung, Shan Han Lun, Shennong Bencao Jing and other classic texts.
The earliest text on herbal medicine, the Wushi Erbing Fang, was recently discovered (1973, see Traditional Chinese Medicine---History) but dates to around 1000 BCE. The Shennong Bencao Jing is attributed to a legendary Chinese emperor from 5000 BCE, though it was actually published much later.
The practice of herbalism in TCM is largely dependent on the work of historical masters in categorizing and characterizing herbs and developing formulas based on TCM theory.
TCM Theory
The pathology and physiology of TCM is very different than the western understanding of disease and normal human functions. TCM is based on knowledge and experience dating back thousands of years and was highly influenced by the political and social climate of China. In general, TCM sees the human as an integral part of nature and identifies cycles and influences as the major contributors to disease and health. In TCM theory, often there is no pathogen causing illness but an imbalance instead. Therefore, herbal prescriptions, and treatments in general, are likely attempts to bring the body back into balance more than fight pathogens or address pathological conditions.
Herbs and Their Natures
In TCM, herbs are classified as to their natures and actions in the body. TCM has very little knowledge of the chemical makeup of herbs, although western science is beginning to fill in this picture.
In TCM herbs can be hot, cold, light, heavy, sweet, bitter, salty, bland, pungent, tonifying, dispelling, moving, sedating or toxic in nature. Herbs can move to different locations or organs, and into different portions of the body such as the blood, liver, bones, brain, skin or stomach.
It is also important to note that, in TCM, an herb is really any substance that can affect the body process---including plants, animals and minerals---and can have completely different characteristics based on how it is collected, processed and stored.
Chinese Herbal Formulas
In TCM, herbs are rarely used independently (although there are some exceptions). The historical masters realized that the toxic natures and limitations of single herbs could be overcome by combining them in specific combinations or processing them together.
Most TCM prescriptions involve the use of between three or four and 20 herbs, often prepared by very specific means. There are literally thousands of TCM formulas for addressing any number of diseases and conditions---conditions based on the disharmony of the body's normal functioning.
Chinese Herbal Practitioners
TCM herbalists not only use well-developed formulas for specific imbalances and diseases, they are able to modify each prescription to match a person's individuality more closely than simple patent formulas. Although patent formulas (the standard formula for a given condition) often can provide excellent results for a given condition, a skilled herbalist can improve a formula by modifying it for the patient.
By using knowledge of the patient's constitutional nature and the specific progression of a disease state, a TCM herbalist can treat without major side effects and address diseases that are difficult to diagnose or considered untreatable.
References
- "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine"; Giovanni Maciocia, 1989
- "Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage)"; Translation & Commentaries by Zhongjing Zhang, Feng Ye, Nigel Wiseman, Craig Mitchell, Ye Feng, 2000
- "Traditional Chinese Medicine" - History
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