What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is the oldest healing system in the world, dating back as far as the 3rd Century BC. The whole idea is based on the principals of yin and yang which are opposite yet complementary universal forces and create balance within the body to allow the free flow of life energy (called qi).

Long term treatment has been known to cure patients of a range of symptoms that they never once associated with their main injury or complaint. It can also improve our body awareness and strengthen the immune system to aid a long and healthy life. The most commonly treated disorders by Chinese Medicine are anxiety, depression, arthritis, migraines, joint pain, asthma, colds and flu symptoms.

It has adapted well over the years so it is still as relevant today as it has always been. Research continues throughout the world into this ancient healing method and the tools involved.

Acupuncture is the most well known tool of Chinese Medicine. This method works by increasing circulation around the body and therefore stimulating the body’s healing process. During an acupuncture treatment endorphins are released which not only relaxes the body but it also regulates serotonin in the brain. Small needles are inserted into the patient’s skin in particular places according to the complaint or illness that needs treating. The needles are placed along the patient’s meridians (which are essentially pathways along which qi travels). By tapping into the energy in this way, the body can restore its balance and rid itself of the complaint for good.

Herbs and herbal remedies are a big part of Chinese Medicine. Herb formulations can be made from all sources including animal, mineral, fruit, seed and plant sources. Generally the herbal remedies can be taken in either a pill or tablet form, or as a tea. Here at Baldwin’s we have a range of products available and if you would like to know more about any of them, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Have any of you tried Chinese Medicine? Did it work and cure you of the complaint? Send in your comments about Chinese Medicine below.

St John’s Wort

This herbal remedy has become very widely used around the world in the past couple of decades. It is considered by doctors and scientists across the globe as a valid form of medication for mild to moderate depression. Mental health problems, in particular depression are very prevalent throughout the world, and many sufferers rely on medication or anti-depressants to help. St John’s Wort offers a totally natural treatment for depression and because of this there are absolutely no side effects.

It isn’t so surprising that a natural substance such as St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) would be an effective medication as many of the drugs and medicines we see on the shelves today have a plant or flower base to them. Hundreds of tests and experiments have been carried out to determine what illnesses or conditions St John’s Wort is effective for treating. These have included depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, HIV, anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder and even dermatitis. Whilst many of first test results showed promising results for a good selection of these illnesses, there is not currently enough scientific evidence to suggest that St John’s Wort is an effective treatment for anything other than mild to moderate depression. However for this condition, St John’s Wort is a very powerful aid.

Time and time again scientific tests show St John’s Wort to be effective at tackling depression. It should be stated however that it is not very effective in cases of very severe or extreme depression, but for the millions of people who are affected by mild to moderate depression, it is an excellent medication. It allows people to be free from chemically produced drugs for which prescriptions are needed. Have any of you tried St John’s Wort and have you found it be effective? We would love to hear your comments or suggestions about this herbal remedy.

New Year Resolutions

I can’t believe it is 2010! When I was young, that was a date that was never going to arrive, and yet here we are. I love the New Year because it always feels like a new start. Every year I make a list of resolutions that I am convinced I will definitely stick to but rarely seem to. This year is going to be different though because I’ve ensured I’ve only made a few, and I plan to tackle them one by one rather than all at the same time.

My first resolution is to give up fizzy drinks and caffeine altogether. That means no coffee or even tea. I will replace fizzy drinks with water or squash, and coffee and tea with herbal teas and fruit teas.

My second resolution is to find a sport that I really enjoy. It is important to get lots of exercise, but it is best if it doesn’t feel like a chore. That is why I am heading down to the local sports centre to see what classes are available.

Finally, I am going to develop my interest in aromatherapy. I have always practiced it and I have a good basic understanding, but I want to learn more and find out everything there is to know. I have found it to be an effective and powerful tool for combatting a variety of symptoms such as stress, anxiety or insomnia, but I know there is so much more to learn.

I am hoping that by keeping the list short and sweet, I am going to see success in my goals. Committing publicly to a a task is a good way of making sure it happens. Why don’t you write your resolutions below. You might just find them easier to stick to if you publicly declare them.