Herbs

Historically, mankind has sought means of relieving pain and curing disease. Over the course of thousands of years, the Chinese have developed a herb-based therapy that has now been integrated in the established tradition of TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine.

TCM is based on the theory of balance between Yin and Yang. Yin represents the dark, hidden, passive, submissive, cool, soft and feminine. Yang represents the worldly sources of light, overt, active, assertive, warm, hard and masculine. The principle is that the one, yin, cannot exist without the other, yang. Everything in this world can be identified as yin or yang. The earth itself is the ultimate example of yin. The heaven is yang.

For hundreds of years, the Chinese have studied the influence of nutrients on organs and the flows of energy through meridians in the human body. The effect of hundreds of herbs, minerals and other nutrients on the human body has already been established.

Chinese herbs are exclusively composed of natural products, including plant-based, animal-based and mineral-based substances. The herbs are often used in combinations, in which the potential effects of each substance are reinforced while potential side effects are cancelled out. For hundreds of years, Chinese doctors have sought to discover the healing power of herbs and placed a strong emphasis on the preventative power of herbs, significantly focusing on those that strengthen the immune system and prolong life.

Chinese herbs can:
1. Strengthen and/or nourish a meridian or organ
2. Relieve blockages
3. Spread energy
4. Heat or cool the body

On the basis of a comprehensive, energy-based diagnosis the therapist will create a blend that is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Herbal mixtures are composed in various forms including powders, tablets or fresh herbs. Patients are strongly discouraged to make their own blends or undergo herbal therapies without the advice of a doctor.

'Chinese herbs have incredible effects,' according to Veronique Merrell-Keijzer. 'Strengthening the immune system is generally the most effective method for people. Prevention is always better than finding a cure for an established problem. A balanced diet is obviously a prerequisite for a healthy immune system. Unfortunately most people do not approach their dietary habits in this manner, following unhealthy desires above healthy balance. This causes these people to repeatedly fall victim to colds, flus and viruses during the colder months. Supplementing your diet with vitamins and herbs can mitigate many of these winter distresses.