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Traditional Chinese phytotherapy
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The traditional Chinese phyto-(plant-)therapy uses thousands of plants (approx. 150 are commonly used) and components of plants (roots, leaves, branches, etc.) as well as some minerals or animal parts (e.g. cicada shields) for curing a wide range of diseases.
Origins of the Chinese phytotherapy
The origins of the medicinal system go back to thousands of years. The Chinese have observed and analyzed the effects of herbs for generations. Thus, it has been possible to establish a highly complex medicinal system which did not only allow to combat individual, disease-causing factors but also to improve the human's individual constitution.
Procedure
Before applying this herbal medicine, the physician has to establish a detailed case history and body diagnostic, including a diagnostic of the tongue and of the pulse. Originally the ingredients consisting of a mixture of (generally) 6 to 10 different substances, cooked in water (Dekokt), are administered to the patient for several days or weeks. As this kind of preparation is difficult and tedious for the patient our practice uses in most of the cases pre-made herbal extracts in liquid form. In our practice we do not use products from protected or endangered animal species! Whilst acupuncture is mainly applied in cases of external diseases and pain conditions the herbal therapy is predominantly applied for treating internal and constitutional diseases. Furthermore acupuncture is often used to complete and enhance phytotherapy. Apart from the indications mentioned under „Application areas“ phytotherapy is successfully applied to enhance and improve the human constitution (fatigue, sleep disorders, psychic disorders, etc.).
Application areas
- Treatment of internal and constitutional diseases
- Common colds
- Infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts
- Disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract
- Rheumatic diseases
- „Female” diseases
- Headaches
- Psychosomatic disorders
- Fatigue conditions
- Depressive mood
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