TCM teachings from the past stress a natural, preventative approach. The underlying principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine is that corrective, preventative intervention may be beneficial if the proper procedures are followed. This begins with careful observation by a skilled practitioner. They seek for disturbances in one of TCM’s principles and recommend steps to take. These practitioners claim to be able to detect issues before orthodox Western medicine. However, if these early insights are ignored, disturbances in one element of TCM principals will lead to disruptions in other parts of TCM principals, and overt sickness will appear. This stems from the concepts of connectedness discussed above. Because of its emphasis on prevention, Traditional Chinese Medicine complements Western medical knowledge well. This blending of beliefs might have a synergistic effect on your health.
And the overlap between Western medicine and TCM instruction goes considerably deeper. Consider the usage of reishi mushrooms to promote defensive Qi. Western scientific study has discovered that beta-glucans, a complex carbohydrate present in many plants, fungus, and bacteria, have a function in immunological health via cell communication in these mushrooms. TCM has the knowledge, cures, and track record of success, whereas Western medicine discovered the biochemical foundations. This provides us with a comprehensive picture of the advantages as well as a knowledge of why something works.
Literally every civilization in the world practices TCM. But it has a variety of other names as well. The terms complementary and alternative (CAM), integrative, Eastern, functional, holistic, etc., and alternative medicine are some of the more well-known ones. Whatever you call it, practitioners use a range of methods to address the fundamental cause of a health problem. Interventions in nutrition, food, herbal medicines, and different mind-body techniques might all fall under this category. Acupuncture, cupping, therapeutic massage, scraping, reflexology, bone setting, chiropractic methods, breathing exercises, and self-defense instruction can all be used as therapies. You have television, cell phones, vehicles, and all the other contemporary conveniences nowadays. How, therefore, can knowledge of medicine from a time when there was no Internet or even the microscope be useful to you today? The key is connection. Your awareness of the environment around you is the foundation of TCM. Additionally, the interconnectedness of your entire body is the foundation of Qi, the energy that flows through you. To relate your contemporary life to customs that have lasted the test of time, you don’t need to learn terminology or lists of treatments. You might want to investigate the findings and interventions. And activities like receiving therapeutic massages and practicing martial arts are very widespread today. It might be easy to comprehend TCM and apply it to your daily life.
What is Astragalus (Huang Qi)
The medicinal plant Huang Qi, also known by its scientific name Astragalus membranaceus, has long been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It belongs to the Fabaceae family of flowering plants, which includes the Astragalus genus of legumes. A common name for Huang Qi is astragalus root.
Huang Qi is said to provide a number of health-promoting qualities in traditional Chinese medicine, including the support of the immune system, a boost in energy, and general well-being. It is frequently used as an adaptogen, a drug considered to aid in the body’s ability to cope with stress and keep its equilibrium. There are several ways to consume Huang qi, including dried roots, extracts, capsules, and teas. It is used to make herbal formulations that support particular health objectives both on its own and in conjunction with other plants. Astragalus root’s highly sought-after advantages for boosting immunity are mostly a result of its functions as a Qi tonic, thus you must also grasp Qi to fully appreciate its worth! The Chinese term Qi cannot be directly translated into English. The term used to describe the life force energy that drives all elements of life, including our physical, mental, and emotional functioning, is chee, as in cheese. Defensive, protective, or Wei Qi are all terms for one particular kind of Qi. Defensive Qi is typically thought to flow just under the skin of the body in TCM, where it serves as a type of barrier to lessen the possibility that external elements like wind and cold would enter the body and create diseases like common colds. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), astragalus is used to support Qi and to function as a restorative tonic that restores Qi when it has been depleted. It is also acknowledged in TCM to have beneficial benefits on defensive Qi, which it accomplishes by aiding in the stabilization of the body’s external surface. In traditional TCM, astragalus root is consumed to boost immune defenses as well as vigor and the body’s ability to handle stress.
Herbal Fortress
Margo Jordan Parker, OMD is the creator of Herbal Fortress. Since 1985, Dr. Parker has been practicing and teaching Chinese medicine. She has been active in the burgeoning area of Integrative Medicine and training physicians who are bridging the gap between natural and alternative medicine and traditional allopathic treatment. This is the new medical specialty of “Integrative Medicine.” Dr. Parker was a founding member of the faculty and assisted in the development of the Oriental Medicine curriculum for the University of Arizona’s Program in Integrative Medicine. The Program in Integrative Medicine is directed by Andrew Weil, MD. Dr. Parker is also a member of the University of Arizona College of Medicine faculty, where she teaches a fourth-year optional course called “A Survey of Chinese Medicine.” In 1990, Dr. Parker established the Canyon Ranch Spa and Resort’s Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine department in Tucson, Arizona. She was also featured in the May 1986 issue of LIFE Magazine as one of the doctors who “Keep the Stars Shining.” Dr. Parker’s natural face rejuvenation, which she pioneered in Hollywood utilizing acupuncture and micro-current therapy, was mentioned in the article. The Los Angeles Times Magazine and Los Angeles Magazine both covered this story. Dr. Parker has also appeared on national television several times.
Herbal Fortress: Astragalus Forte
Being an adaptogen, astragalus aids in defending the body against a variety of pressures, including mental, physical, and emotional stress. The herb astragalus may offer defense against conditions including diabetes and cancer. Antioxidants included in it shield cells from deterioration. Astragalus is used to maintain and strengthen the immune system, shield the liver, decrease blood pressure, cure diabetes, and prevent colds and upper respiratory infections. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects are present in astragalus. It is occasionally used on the skin to treat wounds. Astragalus also boosts the immune system and possesses antiviral qualities, according to research.
Why Should You Choose Herbal Fortress?
The best quality ingredients are used to create Herbal Fortress products, and each batch is tested using cutting-edge technology to ensure that it adheres to Dr. Parker’s original composition for each product. Every batch of Herbal Fortress products made has certifications of analysis on file. Utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing technology of pharmaceutical quality, their goods are produced in the USA. The quality of the raw herbs must meet exacting standards set by the pharmaceutical industry. A strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standard as well as more severe pharmaceutical manufacturing standards are used in the production of all Herbal Fortress products. Each batch of their product is checked by chemists who have received specialized training in quality control (QC). Each batch’s Certificates of Analysis are maintained on file as proof that the product is what it claims to be and that the suggested dosage is equal to or more than the recognized standard therapeutic dose. The Herbal Fortress Forte range includes solitary, standardized extracts of each herb’s active ingredient. As a consequence, the substance really has medicinal benefits.
Eastern and Western Medicine: The Polarity and How to Transcend It
Across civilizations, healthcare techniques have given rise to two unique paradigms: Eastern and Western medicine. These many healing systems represent opposing ideas, techniques, and treatments. While each has its advantages, recognizing the contrasts between them can give significant insights into the various approaches to health and well-being that people take. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the epitome of Eastern medicine, is based on holistic concepts that stress the interdependence of the body, mind, and spirit. It considers health to be the balance of vital energy (Qi or Chi) and harmonious interactions with nature. This approach emphasizes the significance of resolving fundamental imbalances in order to restore general well-being.
Western medicine, commonly referred to as allopathic medicine, is based on empirical data and scientific principles. Through rigorous research, diagnostic testing, and medicinal procedures, it aims to discover and treat particular causes of illnesses. This reductionist approach focuses on cellular and molecular knowledge of illnesses in order to design tailored remedies. Diagnosis in Eastern medicine frequently begins with detecting patterns of disharmony within the body. Practitioners examine Qi flow, Yin and Yang equilibrium, and the interplay of the Five Elements. Techniques like pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and taking into account a patient’s constitution are critical in determining the fundamental causes of diseases. Western medicine, on the other hand, depends on quantitative data and objective measurements to make diagnoses. X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests are examples of advanced medical imaging procedures that give precise insights into the structural and functional features of the body. This data-driven method enables practitioners to accurately detect illnesses and disorders. Eastern medicine treatment focuses on restoring the body’s natural equilibrium. Acupuncture, herbal medicines, dietary changes, and activities such as Tai Chi and Qigong are examples of therapies. These techniques are intended to improve the body’s self-healing powers and to build harmony between the individual and their surroundings.
Western medicine treats particular medical disorders through medications, surgery, and evidence-based therapies. This method focuses on symptoms and underlying causes, and it frequently yields quick improvements. Surgical treatments can efficiently handle difficulties ranging from organ transplantation to trauma, whereas medicines ease symptoms by targeting particular biochemical processes. The holistic approach of Eastern medicine acknowledges the connection of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Rather than only treating symptoms, it emphasizes preventative actions and the enhancement of total vitality. The emphasis on individual constitution and environmental influences emphasizes the approach’s holistic aspect.
The reductionist philosophy of Western medicine dissects illnesses into their component elements, allowing for accurate diagnosis and tailored therapies. This strategy has resulted in significant advances in the treatment of acute diseases and crises. Its proclivity to disregard holistic components of health, on the other hand, might restrict its usefulness in controlling chronic illnesses and fostering general well-being. Eastern and Western medicine provide diverse frameworks for comprehending and addressing health problems. Western medicine specializes in evidence-based diagnosis and focused therapy, whereas Eastern medicine emphasizes holistic interconnection and balance. Recognizing each system’s capabilities may lead to a more complete and integrated approach to healthcare, assuring the well-being of people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
