What does Chinese/alternitive therapies help? And do they work?

Question

I have a list as long as my arm of medical problems, and I was wondering if Chinese or alternative medicines would help.

Some of the problems involved; Irritable bowel syndrome, joint/bone pains, migraines, disordered eating, tiredness, mood swings...

Just wondering if it was worth considering alternative/chinese therapies that may contribute to the healing of some of my aliments... :-)

Has anyone ever tried any treatments, and if so, what were the results and would you reccommend trying them out?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Here's what I know: Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years (so it's gotta be somewhat effective). Unlike Western medicine which is supposed to be a quick healer, Chinese medicine is supposed to take longer, and be effective in the long run. So if you take some ancient Chinese medicine, you're not gonna feel better right away or tomorrow (unlike Advil or something), it takes a while.

Ginseng - basically it's a root. Grown up high in mountains, and are hard to get. The ones grown in America are supposedly not as effective as the ones from in Mainland China. Therefore, the actual authentic Ginseng in China is sold for insane prices. Ginseng is supposed to make the human body stronger. It will improve your immune system, make your body and mind stronger, so you will feel better. Once again, the effect takes longer (just doesn't happen in a day).

The ancient Chinese believed in Yin and Yang. Yin being dark, Yang being light. Every human being has it, and when the Yin and Yang and balanced, then we are healthy. Whenever somebody feels uncomfortable, is ill, or something, then that means their Yin and Yang is not balanced. Therefore, the Chinese use acupuncture, (I've never tried it, but they say it doesn't hurt at all) which is supposed to balance the Yin and Yang.

Also, Western medicine prefers to use cold to treat remedies such as ankle sprains, aches, sores, etc. Whenever you're in a sport and you sprain your ankle, the first thing they tell you do is to ice it. Chinese medicine, however, prefers to use heat to heal. They always use heat. So if you're in China and you sprain your ankle, they'd tell you to use hot water.

Answer 2

1) Nothing

2) No

If you'd like a longer version of an answer, feel free to email me.

Answer 3

Chinese Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC.

Yet throughout its history it has continually developed in response to changing clinical conditions, and has been sustained by research into every aspect of its use. This process continues today with the development of modern medical diagnostic techniques and knowledge.  

Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it has for centuries had a very great influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West. It still forms a major part of healthcare provision in China, and is provided in state hospitals alongside western medicine. Chinese medicine includes all oriental traditions emerging from Southeast Asia that have their origins in China.

Practitioners may work within a tradition that comes from Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan or Korea. It is a complete medical system that is capable of treating a very wide range of conditions. It includes herbal therapy, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and exercises in breathing and movement (tai chi and qi gong). Some or several of these may be employed in the course of treatment.

Chinese Herbal Medicine, along with the other components of Chinese medicine, is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang. It aims to understand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the two may be undermined and the ways in which a person's Qi or vitality may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance.

Answer 4

Many Chinese therapies have been shown to work well - accupuncture is a good example, it comes from Chinese medicine and is available on the NHS! Also as some have said the herbal medicine is likely to have good results in some cases.

It is important that whoever prescribes medicines for you can get a good diagnosis of what the problem actually is in order to treat it right. Treating you for a misdiagnosed condition, with normal or alternative medicine, is not going to help.

Be aware that some Chinese medicines contain ingredients which are at best dubious and at worst illegal, like body parts of endangered species. But the herbal stuff is probably OK.

Answer 5

I got some strange mixture of stuff from the chinese herb doctor once but it tasted so vile that I didn't continue.  

Anything is worth a try though, good luck

Answer 6

The symptoms that you describe are typical of a person suffering from one or more infections,which many GPs and hospital consultants do not know about or treat. You would have to consult expert private doctors who know how to diagnose and test properly,you may go onto getting proper diagnosis & treatment.One of the infections is possibly chronic lyme disease/borreliosis,but there could easily be others.It may be well worth getting tested for infection as a possible cause of your problems.This could save you a lot of money,in the long run,if it does turn out that your symptoms are caused by infection-you can email me for more info.

Answer 7

You have to be Chinese or they won't work.