Chinese medicine is one of the most popular and oldest herbal medicine techniques in the world. In fact, it is older than any of us could ever imagine. The tradition of Chinese medicine dates back to the third century, BC. However, even as traditional and ancient as the practice may be, research continues and development moves on to create medicines and herbs that are beneficial to today's world and society.

Chinese medicine is world renowned. It is practiced, obviously, in China, but also many other parts of the world. However, it is important to understand that the practice is more than just herbal medicines. It also incorporates movement and breathing exercises, dietary therapy, and acupuncture as well. Depending on the ailment, a practitioner may use any or all of these during treatment.

Chinese medicine is derived from the philosophy that activity and life have a direct impact on your overall health on every level. Though catching in the western world quickly, Chinese medicine is taught at almost every medical school in the country of China. North America is catching on and beginning to teach the medicine as well at their medical schools.

Treatments with Chinese Medicine generally combine a variety of herbs to create a formula that works to treat a condition, keeps safety in mind, and balances the body at the same time. The Chinese believe there is a way to treat every condition known to man, while keeping it as natural as possible.

You are probably wondering what type of conditions can be treated with this form of natural and herbal medicine. As stated, Chinese Medicine can be used to treat most any condition. However, some people use it treat common disorders. For example, Chinese medicine is used to treat a variety of skin diseases such as urticaria, rosacea, acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

It can also treat disorders of a gastrointestinal nature, such as ulcerative colitis, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. Women use Chinese Medicine to treat conditions such as infertility, endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea, and premenstrual syndrome. This program is used to treat other ailments as well such as viral infections, fatigue, sinusitis, rhinitis - both perennial and allergic, cough, bronchitis, asthma, as well as other respiratory conditions.

As you can see there are many different conditions that can be treated through the use of Chinese Medicine, and this is only the start of the list. Other conditions include:

Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes

Arthritis and other Rheumatic ailments

Cystitis and other Urinary Ailments

Anxiety

Depression

Psychological Ailments

HIV - Used as a treatment in support of other treatments

Hepatitis - Used as a treatment, particularly useful for Hepatitis C

and so much more.

What makes Chinese Medicine so popular is the fact that it is all natural and safe in most all cases. However, even though herbs are deemed safe, it is still important to be sure that you are visiting or taking advice from a trained and professional Chinese Medicine practitioner. At any rate, one great thing about Chinese medicine as opposed to traditional types of treatments is that there are generally very few, if any side effects to speak of.

Unlike it's traditional counterpart of prescription medication, this method typically does not carry a host of side effects. Whereas, prescription medication almost always carry a list of side effects that it can be extremely scary to even consider the treatment. Furthermore, in most cases, if you stop taking your prescription medication, you may have to deal with damage or lasting side effects. However, with Chinese Medicine, there are no damages to speak of if you were to stop your treatment and have any type of allergy is rare, but not unheard of.

Policosanol - This supplement is entirely derived from the Sugar Cane plant. In fact, the coating to be specific. It is used as a beneficial way to lower cholesterol. It actually helps the body keep the right amount of healthy cholesterol and works to reduce risks of heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

Atractylodes - This is a herb that is generally combined into a formula with other herbs. Atractylodes are used to treat a variety of disorders such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and troubles with moisture accumulation.

Astragalus - This herb is used to boost the immune system, treat allergies, boost the digestive system, and treat a variety of skin disorders and ailments. Combined with other herbs, astragalus is also used to treat colitis, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, hepatitis, senility, and AIDS.

Bupleurum - Essentially used by the Japanese, this herb is used to treat a variety of conditions such as mental disorders, ulcers, nephritis, withdrawal, menopause, arthritis, skin conditions, and liver disease. However, this herb is typically not used alone, instead it is included in some sort of formula and is available as a tablet, pill, or tea.

Ginseng - One of the most popular forms of Chinese Medicine, Ginseng is regarded as a life saver and preventer of diseases. It is used for many different things such as increasing wisdom, calming your spirit, balancing blood pressure, boosting the immune system, increasing the body's use of oxygen, eliminating fatigue, and controlling ones blood sugar levels.

As you can see, there are many different herbs used in traditional Chinese Medicine. Having been in use for thousands and thousands of years, it is believed that there are ways to treat all human ailments naturally, safely, and effectively. Though some side effects may occur, such as nervousness with Ginseng or headaches such as with Bupleurum, the side effects are not dangerous and do not carry the same sort of risks as traditional prescription medication.