BIRMINGHAM CENTRE FOR CHINESE MEDICINE
245 Alcester Road South, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6DT
Tel: 0121-441 2757
CHINESE HERBS
ABOUT CHINESE HERBS
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world and has an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Together with acupuncture, massage (Tuina), exercise (Tai Qi, Qi Gong) and dietary therapy it forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All these treatments share the same theory and the same aim, not just to treat symptoms but to deal with underlying imbalances and to strengthen the person's Qi to prevent a recurrence of disease.
Chinese herbal medicine is extensively practised throughout clinics and hospitals in China for the treatment of a very wide range of conditions. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very big influence on the theory and practice of medicine throughout the Far East.
During its two thousand year history, great doctors have contributed to its store of knowledge and wisdom, and in the past few decades a great deal of research has been done in China into every aspect of its use. The result is a subtle, powerful and flexible system.
CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED
The range of conditions that can be treated with Chinese herbs is wide, but the following may be singled out:
- Skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria
- Digestive disorders, including diarrhoea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome
- Gynaecological problems, including menstrual problems and pre-menstrual syndrome
- Chronic fatigue, including ME or 'post-viral syndrome'
- Asthma, coughs, bronchitis
- Hay fever, sinusitis, rhinitis
- Urinary problems, including chronic cystitis
HOW CHINESE HERBS ARE PRESCRIBED
Chinese herbal medicine uses several hundred substances, mostly of plant origin (roots, seeds, flowers, twigs and barks). These are hardly ever prescribed singly. They are combined into a formula which usually contains between 8 and 12 ingredients. The exact combination is adjusted to suit the patient's individual condition, and is likely to be altered as the treatment progresses to take account of changes that have occurred. It is therefore a very flexible system which can be closely tailored to the needs of the individual.
The prescribed mixture of herbs is usually prepared by the patient as a decoction (boiled and then simmered in water) and taken twice a day. Consultations will be on average once a fortnight, and you will be given enough herbs to last till the next appointment. In some cases the herbs may be given in powder form or as pills (these are not as strong as decoctions but are more suitable in those cases where longer-term treatment is indicated). In addition external treatments (ointments, washes, soaks) may be prescribed for skin problems.
LENGTH OF TREATMENT
The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition and how long you have had it. In some cases (especially with younger children) you can expect a good response in 2 to 3 weeks. For severe chronic problems you may need to take the decoctions for 8 to 12 weeks. In certain cases treatment may be even shorter or longer than these figures suggest.
SAFETY OF HERBS
There have been some recent concerns about the safety of certain Chinese herbal medicines. These have arisen from the inclusion of illegal ingredients by some suppliers, either banned toxic materials or ingredients such as steroids which by law can only be supplied by doctors. The Centre observes the highest standards of safety and quality and is supplied exclusively by companies with a proven commitment to those standards. In addition the Centre has blood-testing facilities which will be used when approprite as a further safety measure. Finally, together with its commitment to safety and quality, the Centre fully supports worldwide conservation programmes, and no endangered species of animal or plant are used.
THE PRACTITIONERS
Nick Lampert, PhD, DipAc, CertAc, BAcC, MRCHM
Nick Lampert has a social science PhD and taught for a number of years at Birmingham University. Subsequently he trained in acupuncture in London and in Nanjing, China, and later studied Chinese herbal medicine at the School of Chinese Herbal Medicine in London and in Nanjing. He has a particular interest in the treatment of skin diseases.
Margaret Ehrenberg, PhD, DipAc, CertAc, BAcC, MRCHM
After a career in archaeology, Margaret began her training in complementary medicine by studying remedial and sports massage. She then trained in acupuncture at the London School of Acumpuncture and TCM, and in Kunming, China. Most recently she has studied Chinese Herbal Medicine at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading.
Both Nick and Margaret are members of the British Acupuncture Council and of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine.
COST OF TREATMENT
First consultation: £30 (children and other concessions £20)
Follow up visits: £20 (children and other concessions £15)
Herbs: for adults £10 to £15 per week, for young children (where smaller quantities of herbs are used) £5 to £10 per week.
BACK TO BIRMINGHAM CENTRE FOR CHINESE MEDICINE INDEX
Birmingham Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine Ltd. Directors: M.R. Ehrenberg BA, PhD, LSSMDip, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Kunming); N. Lampert BA, PhD, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing) MRCHM; C. Wylde BA, DipAc, MBAcC, CertAc(Nanjing).