AUTUMN NEWSLETTER 2000

“Herbs are safer than drugs – they are less pure so it is harder to overdose…” - National Institute of Medical Herbalists

“We have shown that adverse effects from acupuncture are mild and extremely rare.” - Professor Edzard Ernst, University of Exeter

The above quotes appeared in the Times newspaper, Times2 Alternative section, on August 8, 2000, as part of the ongoing integration of Chinese medicine into our Western culture. What is being currently explored in the media is not whether or not Chinese medicine works, but whether or not it is safe to use instead of, or alongside, conventional treatment.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

A word of caution: It is misleading to think that all herbal products sold over the counter, from your corner Chinese herbalist, or those that are labelled ‘natural’ are safe for you. Self-prescribing is a potential danger, since we are not talking about herbs just for flavour, but herbs intended for medicinal use. You are also at risk if you take herbal medicine prescribed by someone without full qualifications, or who does not belong to a professional herbal regulatory body here in the UK.

What is important to note, is that Chinese herbal medicine belongs to a unique medical tradition that has successfully treated large populations for centuries. It treats both long and short-term complaints, it prevents illness as well as cures it, and it continues to satisfy scientific scrutiny in both the Orient and in the West.

The properly trained physician will not prescribe herbs that are of dubious quality, incorrect herbs, the wrong amount, or the wrong choice in the first place. Any prescription that does not suit you will be swiftly modified to minimise any adverse effects. Herbal treatment is not usually a ‘magic pill’ treatment. The process of cure requires your commitment to getting better over a period of time.

Another very beneficial and sophisticated use of Chinese herbal medicine, is to visit your herbalist for check-ups on a regular basis, even when you feel well. This approach is termed ‘solve the big problems while they are small.’

In my practice, you may elect to have herbal treatment on its own, or in combination with acupuncture treatment. The herbs can be prescribed as loose tea, powders, or tablets.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE

Last year on Channel 4, many of us saw the programme ‘Natural Born Healers’ which documented a man who could no longer work due to arthritis and lowered immunity. He had a course of ten acupuncture treatments at the Homerton Hospital in East London. The results were impressive. Six months later the patient was still able to live a normal life, without the need for further treatment.

In order to get the results you want from acupuncture, and to be assured of the treatment being entirely safe and accountable, I recommend that you seek treatment from a fully qualified acupuncturist who is state registered. The British Council of Acupuncture is the largest and most established acupuncture regulatory body in the country, and oversees the educational standards of its members.

You may be surprised to know that acupuncture treats not just the well-known conditions of pain, allergy, skin problems, headaches, and nausea as touted in the press. You could consider it for a wide-range of health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, tiredness, loss of libido, digestive troubles, female problems, high blood pressure, recovery from surgery, and the side-effects of essential Western medicines.

If you would like treatment please come to see me at 103-105 Harley Street, Suite 10, 4th floor, London W1G 6AJ. My clinic day is Tuesday. You can make your appointments with me directly on 020 7487 4568.

If you would like to discuss Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, your personal health issues or those of other family members, please don’t hesitate to give me a call on my mobile 07870 188 926.