Chinese medicine is a collection of ancient healing techniques designed to treat an individual holistically.  Its three main branches – herbal medicine, acupuncture and tui na massage aim to both redress underlying imbalances that cause ill health and also to tackle particular symptoms.  It can be used in all stages of life to deal with illness, whether severe or mild, and to prevent illness by improving health.

Chinese medicine has been evolving for over 4000 years.  It is rooted in the ancient philosophy and culture of China and reflects a world view in which all things are inextricably interrelated.  At the human level this means that not only is a person inseparable from his or her environment, but also that there is no true division between the mind, emotions and physical body.

According to Chinese medicine well-being and good health arise when the various systems within the individual are in equilibrium.  Ill-health arises out of imbalance or disharmony which Chinese medicine explains through analogies to the natural world around us.  By helping redress these imbalances, Chinese medicine seeks to get to the root causes of ill health and not merely to suppress the outward manifestations and symptoms.

Chinese medicine is a highly flexible system which can be used:

• in the treatment of chronic or serious conditions either alone or in support of western medicine;
• in the early stages of illness or for mild ailments; or
• to prevent illness and promote good health.

Chinese medicine can be used for a wide range of conditions such as fertility problems, skin problems, migraine, gynaecological problems, digestive problems, urinary tract infections, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain related problems, among many others.

Chinese medicine has developed far beyond its early origins and is now used alongside western medicine in China as a frontline therapy in modern state hospitals.  A large amount of research is carried out both to quantify the efficacy of particular herbal medicines and acupuncture procedures, and also to identify the biomedical mechanisms behind particular therapeutic effects. Much of this research has supported the clinical findings of Chinese doctors over the centuries and some has also identified new ways in which traditional medicines can be used.

While this type of research has been carried out predominantly in China, Japan and South Korea, in Europe and the United States western bioscientists are increasingly recognising Chinese medicine as a valuable resource for the future development of modern medicine.

Leo Dening practices Chinese medicine here at Chelsea Natural Health Clinic, Fulham Rd, SW10.