Chinese Medicine Basics Articles

Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine

How Chinese Medicine treats dysfunction, disease, health and wellbeing is complementary to Western Medicine Even at a glance, Chinese Medicine is quite different from Western Medicine. Earthy herbs are favored over laboratory compounds, mind and body are considered one, and diet and lifestyle take center stage. Chinese Medicine is an ancient system developed thousands of…
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Spleen and Spleen (Chi)Qi in Chinese Medicine

What do we mean by the Spleen: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, the energetic organ system responsible for what we in modern times call “digestion” is the Spleen. This is not to be confused with the Western medical definition of the spleen as the organ that, among other things, makes antibodies, removes old red…
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TCM and Nutrition: Eating for the Seasons

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season is more than just a change in weather; it’s an opportunity to align our bodies and live in tune with nature. With late summer – the “fifth season” of TCM – upon us, now is the perfect time to rethink what we put on our plates and eat in…
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Dampness in Chinese Medicine – What is it & How To Fix It

If you have read our blogs or visited an acupuncturist, you may have heard the term “dampness.” But what is dampness in Chinese Medicine, and what does it mean for your health? Dampness may sound like a strange concept, but it’s pretty simple. Read on to learn what dampness really is and how you can…
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The History of Tea in China

When you think of China, do images of buzzing cities, the Great Wall, vast rice fields, silk shops, and dumplings fill your mind? These are some of the most common things we associate with China. But what about tea? Tea is one of the most important aspects of Chinese culture, trade, and of course –…
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Tablets, Teapills, Tinctures, Oh My! Decoding the Types of Chinese Herbal Medicine

Are you wondering which form of a Chinese herbal formula you should choose? Let’s walk through the options. Those who are new to Chinese herbal medicine are often curious about why there are so many different types of herbal preparations. Pills, tablets, tinctures – what’s the difference?! And which one is for me? The short…
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A Very Herbal Valentines Day – Medicinal Flowers in Chinese Herbal Medicine

It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day is on its way! Valentine’s Day is all about love, treats, pampering, chocolates, and flowers of course! Flowers can brighten up any room, but did you know they can work wonders on our health as well? Flowers have long been a part of the Chinese healing tradition and…
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The Power of Chinese Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular superfoods in the world – and for good reason! From boosting your energy to fighting chronic disease, the benefits of Chinese green tea are endless. Read on to learn more about how the power of Chinese green tea can help you live your healthiest life. All About…
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Chinese Herbal Liquid Extracts (Tinctures) – A Complete Guide

Pills, powders, and poultices, oh my! Chinese medicinal formulas come in many shapes and sizes – and even varied administration methods. Let’s learn a little more about one of our favorite ways to take our Chinese herbs: liquid extracts. Liquid extracts are a unique way to take herbal medicine. Tinctures are commonly used in Western…
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About the Author

Kate Downes is a Chinese medicine practitioner with a passion for herbal medicine. In fact, it was her love for plant and earth medicine that first drew her to study Chinese medicine.

Kate has a MSAOM (Master of Science, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) certification and practiced acupuncture in Indianapolis, IN for five years before packing her bags to roam the world. In order to stay in touch with the wellness community and continue to help others thrive with herbal medicine, she transformed her work from face-to-face patient care to spreading wellness through words. Her life as a remote herbalist and writer has allowed her to work with a variety of wellness brands, health pioneers, and her wonderful clients. She has a special interest in working with women’s health.

Kate thoroughly enjoys writing educational and useful pieces for Best Chinese Medicine. Her goal is to help the public gain a better understanding of the wonders of Chinese herbal medicine so they can be empowered in their own quest for natural, vibrant health.

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Articles Related To Category: Chinese Medicine Basics Articles

Unlocking the Power of Teapills: A Comprehensive Guide to TCM’s Best-Kept Secret
November 1, 2024

How to Effectively Use Teapills for Your Health Teapills, a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offer a simple way to incorporate powerful herbal remedies into your wellness routine. These tiny, round, herbal capsules are pre-prepared, easy to take, and packed with centuries-old wisdom. If you’re looking to benefit from the healing power of TCM,…
Give Your Brain a Boost with Chinese Herbal Medicine
October 25, 2024

Inspired Chinese Medicine Tips for Supporting & Healing Our Minds Has the past year left you in a brain fog? If so, you’re not alone. The stressful and rapidly changing events of 2020 have been enough to put even the most level-headed and focused person into a state of stupor. Stress is normal. But over…
Top Chinese Herbs for Boosting Immunity During Cold and Flu Season
October 18, 2024

As the temperatures drop in autumn, we enter the dreaded cold and flu season. From missing work or social events to simply feeling miserable, these illnesses can disrupt our daily lives. But what if there was a way to not only prevent these seasonal illnesses but also recover faster if you do catch something? That’s…
October is Depression Awareness Month – Best Chinese Herbs for Depression
October 11, 2024

It’s human nature to experience a spectrum of different emotions and moods, including feeling down or depressed. But if that depressed feeling occurs for no reason, is persistent, or significantly affects your daily quality of life, it’s time to seek some support. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to manage your depression or enhance…
Get Ready for Cold & Flu Season with Chinese Herbal Medicine
October 4, 2024

Cold and flu season is upon us, and as the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, our bodies are more vulnerable to illness. But don’t worry—there’s a natural way to stay ahead of the game. At Best Chinese Medicines, we believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers one of the most powerful, effective, and…