What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine is a major component of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive health care system used for over 3,000 years in China and throughout the world today.

Oriental medicine views the body as a dynamic, interrelated whole (mind, body, spirit) possessing a life force or vital energy called qi or chi (pronounced “chee”). Health depends on the free flow of qi. When disease occurs, therapy is applied to restore the balance and flow of the qi in the body and help the body heal itself.

Chinese herbal medicine is actually composed of over 5,000 plant, mineral and animal substances. Usually herbs are combined into formulas that address the main health problem and support the mind-body system.