Barbe Brown

Barbe Brown

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine

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Chinese herbal medicine is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries in China. The philosophy is that there is a mind-body connection and the external environment stress can negatively impact health and wellness. There are thousands of herbs, minerals, teas, extracts and tinctures used to support wellness and treat symptoms and disease. A variety of herbal recipes deliver healing, therapeutic ingredients to the body so it can balance and heal.

The focus is primarily on health and prevention of disease rather that just treating symptoms. Most illnesses present with a clear set of symptoms, however, every person’s needs are different and therefore the herbal remedies prescribed will be unique to each individual seeking support. Practitioners are able to prescribe specific herbal remedies for each person and as the presenting conditions change and improve the remedies will be adjusted accordingly. The goal is to find wellness and balance and then the remedies will no longer be needed. It is very important to seek support from a trained practitioner when using herbal remedies.

Symptoms and illnesses that can be treated with Chinese herbal medicine include insomnia, fatigue, chronic pain, digestion issues, colds & flu, headaches, skin disorders, allergies, PMS, impotence & prostrate disorders, anxiety, depression and stress.

fresh edible bolete mushrooms 

Ginkgo biloba

anice and cinnamon on white

Isolated ginger. Element of design.

Popular herbs include ginseng, ginkgo, mushrooms, wolf-berry, cinnamon, ginger, licorice, peony, and rhubarb....

Examples of herbs and their uses: 

Goji Berries (Gou qi zi) is easily accessible are packed with antioxidants. This little berry nourishes the blood and is beneficial for vision. It can be made into a tea, added to oatmeal or anything else you typically add cranberries or raisins to such as salads.

Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou) can be found online or in Chinese herbal stores, helps with insomnia, heart palpitations, exhaustion, and anxiety as well as nourishes the blood. It can be added to oatmeal, desserts or made into a tea

Chinese Wild Yam (Shan Yao) is good for deficiency on one’s Qi. It helps with digestion, strengthens the kidneys and aids in hormone balance. It is easy to use and delicious in tea, soups and other blends. Chinese Wild Yams can be found in stores or online

American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) is milder than Chinese Ginseng. It nourishes both Yin and Yang energies, boosts the immune system, improves Qi, improves sex drive & performance, helps the body deal with stress, boosts the digestive system and improves the absorption of nutrients. It can be made into a tea or added to soups and stews. Avoid American Ginseng late at night

Lotus Seed (Lian Zi) regulates hormones, builds blood, strengthens the digestive system, supports the reproductive system in both men & women, helps with insomnia, anxiety and irritability. It can be added in meals, snacks and baked goods. This should not be used if you suffer with constipation or bloating.

Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) benefits the liver & kidney, and treats dryness in hair, skin and eyes. It can be added to veggies and cereal.

Chinese Red Dates (Da Zao) nourishes the blood and builds Qi. Eating 1 or 2 each day increases energy and can be found in most Asian markets. It can also be made into a tea with rose, Goji Berries, and Chrysanthemum, as well as used in soups and smoothies.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose for health issues and disease. Chinese herbs are a key component to treating patients as well as a beneficial way to maintain overall health and balance by adding certain herbs and foods to our meals, snacks and tea.

Although safe under most conditions, Chinese herbs should be taken under the supervision of a trained practitioner and not used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. It is important to pay attention to products making sure they are high quality and do not contain dangerous additives, another reason to work with a trained herbalist or practitioner.

If you would like to gather additional information about Chinese herbs, check out the resources below.

Tai Chi for a Balanced Life

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Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices: Tai Chi

Healing Benefits

Tai Chi is great exercise and has sustaining relaxation and healing benefits. Often described as meditation in motion, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise “art” form. Three philosophies are blended together in Tai Chi; the philosophy of Yin and Yang, aspects of Chinese Martial Arts, and many elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Yin and Yang

“The symbol for Tai Chi is a circle divided by a flowing line that represents the movement of a wave. Filling the circumference of the circle are two curved shapes of equal size, one white, representing yin, and one black, represent yang. There is a small dot of the opposite Cole in each shape, showing the sympathetic character of each to the other. The dynamic flow with the symbol represents the movement and the continuity of the life force.”
Source:
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines by Nancy Allison

Tai Chi consists of a slow and continuous series of circular movements. It is a low impact exercise so most anyone can practice it to improve overall health, balance, joint health and muscle tone. It is a process to bring balance to the mind and body.

Overall Well-Being

Tai Chi stimulates emotional, physical, mental well-being, and develops balance, stamina, and grace allowing students to let go of the tension in the body. By releasing the tension in the body it is easier for the mind to be calm. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a healthy life includes emotional stability, a high degree of mental efficiency as well as physical stamina. Tai Chi helps to strengthen all of these areas in a person’s life.

Tai Chi is a set of movements that build on each other and are interconnected. The process is very important, from the beginning to the end. In order to get the best results, Tai Chi should be practiced on a daily basis to stimulate the body’s natural circulatory process, combat disease, and keep the mind alert yet calm. It is considered a life long practice to insure good health and wellness.


Practicing Tai Chi requires full concentration. This isn’t a practice you can do successfully while day dreaming. Breathing during a practice is natural and not forced. The movement is also natural, easy and flowing, although it does take some time to learn each form and find balance in the movements of the arms and the legs.

Meditation in Motion

A Tai Chi practice is generally 25 minute long. The movements look soft, continuous, light and fluid yet the body must be firm, stable and strong and the mind must stay alert and active. It is a series of circular movements, curves, arcs, and spirals because it is believed that moving in circles conserves energy, creates security and lessens nervousness.

Practicing Tai Chi is like taking your vitamins. You don’t feel the benefits unless you make the practice a regular part of your life. Practicing Tai Chi has many health and emotional benefits including improved posture, better balance, mastery of movement, improved health, increased energy and strength. Emotional benefits include increased awareness, more patience, a heightened sense of calmness and serenity.

You can probably find a class near you at one of the local recreation centers or you can get more information in the resources below. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture

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Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture involves placing needles into specific points on the body in order to insure the healthy flow of energy (Qi). It is an ancient practice (more than 5,000 years) recommended to treat disease, relieve pain and maintain overall health and wellness.


Qi is the vital energy in all living things, from the tallest tree to the smallest cell and our health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of our Qi. It is the energy of our lives, what motivates us, our life essence and affects our entire being.

Balanced Qi = True Health

Qi provides the power to accomplish everyday activities and is necessary for growth, movement, body temperature, protection against illness and overall regulation of our body.


When Qi is balanced and freely flowing, the body is naturally able to heal and maintain internal stability and harmony. The body is able to flourish and true health and well being  is achieved.

Acupuncture is based on the belief that our body, mind, and spirit are fully integrated aspects of our being. Body, mind and spirit must be balanced in order for us to be healthy. When the Qi flows freely we feel well, balanced and whole. When the Qi is not flowing freely we feel out of balance and start feeling symptoms of illness or disease.

World Health Organization Approved

The World Health Organization accepts acupuncture as a treatment for more than 100 health problems including migraines, back pain, PMS, hay fever, arthritis, high blood pressure and even the common cold. Studies have also shown that acupuncture is helpful in treating drug and alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, stress and sleep issues.

  • Acupuncture is safe and effective
  • Acupuncture is natural and drug-free
  • Acupuncture helps to relieve symptoms and signs of many health problems.
  • The goal of Acupuncture is to activate the self-healing abilities of the body

    I’ve received acupuncture for a variety of issues over the years and continue to see an acupuncturist on a regular basis to make sure my Qi is flowing freely. I'd love to hear from you about how you have benefited from Acupuncture.  For more information, visit the links below.