This last article on Chinese Herbs will describe in general how they are prescribed, and define their role within the contemporary medical world. Last month, we saw how a specific case of the flu might be handled with Chinese Herbs versus the commercial use of herbs and pharmaceuticals. Where the modern way is to attack, block, or suppress a symptom, the traditional Chinese way is to assess the full range of causes behind the symptom, and thereby cure the condition. These causes will naturally be unique to the person; a traditional diagnosis is the key to prescribing as closely as possible to that person.

                The practitioner:

                                Listens to the person's concerns

                                Observes the body's appearance

                                Feels the pulses and meridians

                                And asks about the history

                From these things emerge a guiding treatment principle and a host of complementary principles. Herbs come to mind and begin to form a family that reflects the varied relationships to be reconciled within the person. Dosages are adjusted, attention is given to the harmony of the formula itself, and then the herbs are prepared. In the previous articles, we described the multitudes of forms available: from decoctions, powders, syrups, and extracts for internal use, to liniments, poultices, salves, and oils for external use. Note that the prescription is happening for the individual in the moment and cannot be bottled and sold in an abstract way. 

                Now another thing about this medicine that especially separates it from modern ways is that these herbal principles are equivalent to the actions the person may take to heal himself. In fact it is these actions that activate and direct the herbal formula, not the other way around; it is the person himself who starts the healing, while the herbs help him along. After all, who's driving this train, and where is it going?

                To answer such questions is crucial to healing. The practitioner helps the client explore his life and offers specific time-honored advice to get back on track: his own track. In this process, the herbs are alive, and become part of discovering his self. Then, as conditions change, so too do the principles and actions. Herbs may be welcome again, yet with a different look and purpose; it follows to check the progress and change the prescription as needed. Progress is felt in a concrete way, and in time vitality emerges and the herbs are no longer needed. 

 Now, this picture is quite different from that of modern medicine, which assumes that disease and dysfunction exist separate from the person, his actions, thoughts, emotions, and faith. Pharmaceutical drugs and commercial herbs simply attempt to halt a disease process, or take over for a failing one. The conditions leading to the problem remain, and the symptoms resurface or burst out in some other way if the conditions are not changed. These treatments are best when applied in temporary life-threatening instances where time or patience for an interactive approach is limited. Chinese Medicine can also treat in emergency situations, yet the focus is simply not placed there; rather it is placed on nourishing life and generating a strong and peaceful spirit. In practice, there is a place for each approach. In what proportion, and when, may be a personal matter.