TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Traditional Chinese medicine is a broad range of medicine practices sharing common concepts which have been developed and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years, including various forms of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massage, exercise, and dietary therapy. Concepts of the body and disease used in Traditional Chinese Medicine are the circulation of Qi (energy), the meridian system, and other related theories. Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on the interaction of body systems to restore the health and well being of the body, mind, and spirit. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based equally on prevention as it is on being a highly effective long-term healing system assisting chronic health issues that afflict so many of you.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is part of the ancient healing art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM has been evolving during the last 5,000 years. Chinese herbs are used to restore the “Qi” or energy of the body by bringing into balance the opposing forces of Yin and Yang. TCM believes that the imbalance of Yin and Yang creates blockage in Qi which results in illness. Through 5,000 years of research and natural selection, TCM has been able to identify combinations of herbs that are particularly effective in restoring the balance between Yin and Yang under many different conditions. The result, according to TCM, is a return of the flow of Qi throughout the body and an improvement in general physical and mental health. The herbs come from over 6,000 species and are processed in a number of ways to ensure that the active ingredients are accessible. The Chinese government in recent years has established quality control requirements over the preparation of herbs to ensure the purity and the efficacy of the herbs used for TCM treatments. In China, the most common methods of applying herb therapies are through teas and pills. The teas are strong and simmer for about one hour in order to gain potency. Tablets, capsules, and powders are other ways to dispense the herbs. Dr. Kim designs specific and customized herbal treatments for his patients. When necessary, he brews the teas himself. In his clinic, patients will find rows and shelves of herbs in many different forms. Following his consultation and diagnosis, Dr. Kim may recommend a course of treatment using those herbs alone or in conjunction with acupuncture.