Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a health care system that has been practised in China for over 2,500 years. It has also been commonly practised in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and other countries in the far East. TCM treats each individual’s emotional and physical state to heal, recover and maintain homeostasis/ balance for optimal health. The components of TCM include: acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition, tuina (Chinese massage) and exercise (qi-gong, tai-chi).

Medicinal Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat diseases and alleviate discomfort for many disorders. Chinese herbal ingredients include various parts of plants (ie. the root, leaves, fruit, bark etc) and minerals. The most common form of herbal medicines consists of loose dried herbs, which are tailored to the individual to balance and restore normal physiological function of the body.

What can TCM help treat?

Female conditions including: Gynaecology (menstrual problems, PCOS, Endometriosis), Infertility, IVF Support, Pregnancy related symptoms, Pre-birth/ Labour preparation, Post childbirth support, Prolapsed uterus, Vestibulitis/ Vulvodynia, Menopause

Male conditions including: Erectile dysfunction, infertility

Pain conditions and Sports injuries including:  Headaches, Migraines, Facial pain, Neck pain, Shoulder pain, Tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow, , Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Hip pain, Low back pain, Sciatica, Sacro-iliac pain, Knee pain, Bursitis, Neuropathic pain, Fibromyalgia, Shingles, Restless leg syndrome

Mental-Emotional conditions including: Stress, Anxiety, Panic attacks, Depression, Insomnia, Palpitations

Dermatological conditions including: Acne, Eczema, Herpes zoster, Hyperpigmentation, Impetigo, Lichen Simplex, Psoriasis, Roascea, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, Tinea, Urticaria, Vitiligo Scars

Neurological conditions including: Bell’s palsy, Blurred vision, Dizziness, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Stroke, Tinnitus, Trigeminal neuralgia, Vertigo

Gastrointestinal conditions including: Abdominal pain, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhoea, Gastritis, IBS, Indigestion/ Heartburn, Nausea, Vomiting, Reflux

Other conditions: Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Addictions, Weight management

Massage
Chinese herbs

How Chinese herbal medicines work:

The RCHM (Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine) provides information regarding Chinese herbal medicine: “There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditional uses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide. However, herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the complexity of plant materials it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy, which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.” (RCHM, http://rchm.co.uk/what-is-chinese-herbal-medicine/, March 2, 2018)

Treatment process:

The first session is normally the longest in duration as it includes a comprehensive consultation. The consultation includes a detailed history of your condition, observation of your tongue and examination of the pulses (on both wrists). Your (and your family’s) health history and your lifestyle are discussed. Details regarding diet, appetite, digestion, urinary habits, exercise, sleep, stress and gynaecological health (for women) are also considered. For individuals with fertility issues seeking natural fertility treatment or IVF support, further topics pertaining to this are reviewed. An assessment can then be made and recommendations regarding diet, lifestyle and exercise may be provided. If appropriate, you may also be advised to have acupuncture treatment.

Based on the consultation and assessment, a 1-2 week prescription of Chinese herbs is composed. The prescription order is placed with an approved Chinese herbal supplier in the UK. The herbal supplier then dispenses the herbal prescription and dispatches it to the clinic where patients can collect it, normally a few days later. If topical medicines are appropriate, this may also be recommended, prescribed and ordered.

Follow-up sessions involve a discussion to monitor progress from any changes made by yourself and from the herbal treatment. Further recommendations may be made and further Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed.

Treatment prices

Initial consultation (40 min)
From £45.00
(The fee may be higher for Pain and Fertility/ Ob-Gyn patients, as often more time is required)
Follow-up appointment (30 mins)
£30.00
Chinese herbal medicines
on application

Appointments available on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please contact our reception team on 01284 760020 to book your appointment.