Chinese herbology as compared to Western herbal medicine

What is the difference between the herbs you'll get from a TCM doctor and a Western-style herbologist? Some of the materials themselves are different -- plants and fungi that grow only in China, for example. However, many of the herbs used in TCM and Western herbalism are the same: ginger, dandelion, mint, and so on.

The biggest difference is in the way the herbal knowledge is applied, rather than in the kinds of herbs used. Generally speaking, in the West, an herb will be known to help relieve a group of symptoms. A given symptom will be associated with the various herbs that give relief from symptom. But TCM does not work according to such one-on-one equations.

The TCM doctor will use all the principles of TCM theory to evaluate your condition holistically, and prescribe herbs that will balance your entire system. The TCM doctor will diagnose and evaluate your overall condition, not just the symptom that brought you in for treatment. Your symptom is seen in the context of your entire being. Let's say you have a headache. The person across the coffee table from you in the TCM doctor's waiting room might also have a headache. Does this mean you will both walk out of the office with the same herbal prescription? Not necessarily. Your headache is the expression of a very specific complex of energy flows, blockages, and imbalances. So is the other patient's. Each of you will get an acupuncture treatment, Chinese medical massage therapy, and herbal prescription that is specific to your particular condition. You will also walk out with different recommendations as to diet and exercise. Your headaches have different meanings and functions according to your unique condition. Therefore, each will be treated appropriately.

In sum, TCM herbal medicine works in the context of the entire TCM treatment plan. And the herbs used are prescribed in the context of your entire being.

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