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Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Medicine (CM) originated in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. Practitioners trained in Chinese Herbal Medicine use this complete medical system to identify, treat and prevent illness.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Underlying the practice of TCM is a unique view of the world and the human body. This view is based on the ancient Chinese perception of humans as microcosms of a larger, surrounding universe (macrocosm) and their relationship with nature and its forces.

Used to identify, treat, and prevent illness, the underlying practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine is unique, with the mind and body viewed as an interconnected energetic system. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. Similarly, our organs are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning in balance and harmony.

Visiting a Chinese Medicine practitioner

When visiting a TCM practitioner you can expect to receive a full herbal medicine assessment. This is based on Chinese medicine theories and principles, anatomy, physiology, pathology and other core biomedical sciences.*

Expect to receive an in-depth problem-solving interview covering your medical history and your familyÕs medical history plus a physical (including tongue and pulse) examination, and a discussion of your expectations of the Chinese Herbal Medicine treatment.*

CM practitioners use a variety of therapies in an effort to promote health and treat disease. The most commonly used are:

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Exercise, such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong which combine movement known as Tui Na
  • Massage, known as Tui Na
  • Dietary Therapy

*Source: Chinese Medicine Board

Following the belief that every living thing is made up of the two opposing forces, of Yin and Yang, Chinese Herbal Medicine is often prescribed to help normalise imbalances of vital energy, called Qi.

There are hundreds of ingredients used in Chinese Herbal Medicine preparations, from flowers and plants, like ginger and ginseng, and sometimes animal derived ingredients, like the velvet from deerÕs antlers. Chinese Herbal Medicine never includes the use of endangered species.

Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used to treat a wide range of chronic health issues, including digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, skin disorders, and common acute illnesses like colds or influenza.

Did you know?

The profession has grown rapidly in Australia with around 5,000 registered Chinese Medicine practitioners in Australia in 2021.*
Since 2012, practitioners of CM, which includes acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, have been registered under the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency (AHPRA).
A Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner may have a dispensary cabinet called an ‘apothecary chest’, frequently seen in their clinics.
Chinese Medicine practitioners must complete a Bachelor degree over a minimum of 3 years majoring in Chinese Medicine.

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