Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine may be used together with acupuncture or as a stand-alone treatment. Patients are given an herbal formula, which usually contains a number of different herbs, each chosen to complement the other herbs in their actions. The formula are selected by the practitioner based on the patient’s specific health requirements and may be modified or adjusted as the patient recovers or as their symptoms change. Chinese herbs are also often taken for the maintenance of general health and well-being.
Most Chinese herbal medicines use plant-based materials, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, branches and roots of the plant. Examples of some of the commonly used herbs that you might know include ginger, liquorice root, red dates and turmeric. Occasionally small amounts of mineral or animal based products may be included in the formula. It is important to note however that substances based on, or harmful to, endangered or protected species are never prescribed.
Herbs are provided to patients in various ways
Granules/ Powder: Here the herbs have been pre-prepared by an herbal company to produce a dried extract or powder. Clare prepares the patient’s formula by combining the appropriate powdered herbs and the patient simply dissolves the powdered formula in warm water and drinks it.
Pills/ Capsules: These are standard and well-known herbal formulas that have been made into a pill or capsule form, making them the easiest to take.
Lotions and liniments: Some herbs may be applied externally in a cream or body wash or as a liniment.
If you would like to book an appointment with Clare please visit the Bookings page
Other Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the concept that the body has a vital energy, or Qi, which flows throughout the body along different channels. In Chinese medicine it is believed pain or illness are often caused by a blockage of this Qi flow. Acupuncture activates or unblocks the flow of Qi
Cupping
Like acupuncture and herbal medicine, cupping is a therapy that has been used for thousands of years. This technique uses small glass cups as suction devices applied to the skin and muscles. This process encourages Qi and blood flow into the area and breaks up stagnation or congestion.
Gua Sha Massage
Gua Sha (pronounced “Gwa Shah”) is a gentle form of massage that involves rubbing or scraping the skin with a round edged tool. The massage tool itself may be something as simple as a Chinese soup spoon, or it may be a beautifully moulded piece of jade.