Did you know that the pharmaceuticals — old and new — that find their way into your medicine cabinet are direct descendants of the herbs your ancestors tucked into their medicine bags? Health care providers who ‘know-their-herbs’ are uplifted by Spring, and welcome humanity’s oldest friends as they stand up once again in woodlands and gardens. This is a primordial relationship: one our forebears depended on for their strength and health. Without herbs the human race might not exist today.
The Power of Chinese Medical HerbsThe power of these plants is proven every day in the Oriental medicine treatment room, and is particularly poignant in Spring, when, according to Five Element Theory the Liver and Gallbladder are particularly active, processing more ‘Chi,’ (Life-force/Energy) than during other times of year. When these organs are healthy and balanced, calm and creativity flow; when they’re not, irritation and frustration are common symptoms — and Chinese medical herbs and acupuncture provide the remedy.
Today, so many of us are so busy trying to balance so many different requirements in our lives, to the point where the energy that powers our organs gets out-of-balance; and logically, if my organs are out-of-balance, I am out of balance. And while you can’t easily change the situations that cause the migraines, eczema, hypertension, general stress, or whatever ails you, you can get relief from ancient herbal formulas — what some have called “forgotten foods” — that have been helping people with their health through the millennia.
So in Spring, when for one reason or another you feel some tightness in the jaw, jittery nerves, or pressure in the head, drinking a 跌打介紹 Chinese medicine herbal “tea,” comprised of 24 different herbs, can transform those discomforts into a feeling of calm and balance.
Feel The PowerSo as you continue to flow through the seasons of your life, keep in mind how Oriental medicine can help you cultivate and maintain your health. If you’re new to this type of medicine and want to get started, begin by paying attention to what you’re feeling so you can discuss your symptoms with someone who can show you the next steps to take.
Kitty Bradshaw is a licensed acupuncturist, with an advanced clinical degree in Oriental Medicine. Studying and working with Oriental Medicine since 1986, Kitty combines Traditional Oriental Medicine with Taoist healing methods to offer healing possibilities beyond the level of standard health care. Her deep understanding of Chinese medical herbs, combined wit