Finding ways to remain healthy can be a challenge, but exploring all-natural alternatives can help maintain wellness. Traditional Chinese medicine incorporates the use of herbs and massage to treat the stress of everyday life, and these ancient practices can help modern men and women as well.

In ancient China, healers studied herbology, combining different plants with medicinal properties to treat specific maladies. Though not always successful in curing serious problems, herbology intends to readjust the body’s balance of yin and yang. Visiting a physician licensed in Chinese medicine is recommended for a specific diagnosis, but there are also pre-packaged patent medicines available for purchase.

Combinations of herbs can treat normal nuisances like the flu (for which menthol is one method of treatment), stress (ginseng), high blood pressure (wolfberry) and the common cold (ginger). Most herbal remedies are taken from plants, though ancient healers often used animal parts.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also use massage to help heal patients. Called tui na (which translates into “poke-pinch”), Chinese massage focuses on unblocking pathways and allowing the body’s energy to flow smoothly.

Though there can be some poking and pinching involved, tui na incorporates kneading techniques, as well as stimulation of acupressure points to treat specific problems.

By Caitlin McGarry

Please login to post your comments.