Compatibility of Chinese Medicinal Herbs-Chinese medicine- Chinese Medicine

Compatibility of Chinese medicinal herbs refers to the combination of more than two herbs with purpose in the light of the clinical requirement and medicinal properties and actions. It is the main method of medicinal application in clinic and also the basis of making up formulae of Chinese medicinal herbs.
During clinical practice, we only use a single to treat a disorder and fulfill its therapeutic purpose if the case condition is simple and light. But on occasions when a disease is accompanied by other diseases, or it is due to invasion of both superficies and interior by pathogenic factors, or asthenic syndrome is complicated with sthenic syndrome, or cold syndrome accompanied by heat syndrome alternatively, a single formula can fail to achieve desired effects. Furthermore, some medicinal herbs used in single form may produce toxic side-effects or may be harmful to a patient. Therefore several Chinese medicinal herbs must be used in combination according to their specific properties so as to extend the circulation of their treatment, decrease their toxic side-effects and gain better therapeutic effects.
Chinese medicinal herbs may have complicated changes by combination. Some may reinforce or decrease their effects, moderate or eliminate their original toxic side-effects, whereas others may produce toxicity and poor reactions. The relationship between a single and the compatible ingredients was generalized previously by ancient physicians as seven aspects, namely, singular application, mutual reinforcement, mutual assistance, mutual restraint, mutual detoxication, mutual inhibition and incompatibility. Except that singular application means using a single medicinal herb, the other six aspects mainly denote the relationship of compatibility between Chinese medicinal herbs.
Mutual reinforcement: That is, two or more ingredients with similar properties and effects are used in combination to reinforce each other's action. For example, Dahuang (Rhizoma et Radix Rhei) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) which are both purgative, after they are used in combination, can reinforce each other's original purgating action; Honghua (Pros Carthami) and Taoren (Semen Persicae) of blood invigorating herbs used in combination can reinforce their action of invigorating the blood and removing blood obstruction.
Mutual assistance: That is, Chinese medicinal herbs that are not certainly similar but have some relationship in the aspect of medicinal properties and actions are used in combination, in which one herb is taken as the dominate factor and the others as its assistants to raise its therapeutic effects. For example, Huangqi (Radix Astragati) with the effect of tonifying qi and promoting the flow of water is used in combination with Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) with the effects of promoting the flow of water and permeating the dampness, the latter reinforcing the former's action of promoting the flow of water, so their combination can be used for edema due to spleen-deficiency; Shigao ( Gypsum Fibrosum) with the effect of clearing away heat and purging fire in combination with Xixin (Herba Asari) can purge fire to relieve pain and treat toothache due to stomach-fire.
Mutual restraint£ºThat is, mutual restraining effect of different medicines to weaken or neutralize each other's harmfulness, such as toxicity or side-effects. For example, the poisonous action of Banxia (Rhizoma Pineliae ) or Nanxing (Rhizoma Arisaematis) may be decreased or eliminated by Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens ), therefore we say there is mutual restraint between Banxia (Rhizoma Pineliae ) or Nanxing ( Rhizoma Arisaematis ) and Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens ).
Mutual detoxication: That is, one medicinal herb can relieve or remove toxic properties and side-effects of the other. For instance, Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) can be used to relieve or eliminate the toxicity or side effects of Banxia (Rhizoma Pineliae), Nanxing (Rhizoma Arisaematis), etc., therefore it is said that Shengjiang ( Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens ) can detoxicate the toxicity or eliminate the side effects of these medicinal herbs. From the mentioned above, we can see that mutual restraint and mutual detoxication actually refer to same thing, yet each one is putting its constraint into the others.
Mutual inhibition: That is, when two herbs are used together, one herb and the other act on each other, resulting in their original actions being weakened, even lose of their medicinal effects. For instance, the qi-tonifying effect of Renshen (Radix Ginseng) can be weakened by Laifuzi (Semen Raphani). So we say there is mutual inhibition between Renshen (Radix Ginseng) and Laifuzi ( Semen Raphani ) .
Incompatibility: That is, toxic reaction or side-effects may result when two incompatible ingredients are used in combination. For instance, there are eighteen incompatible medicaments which are believed to give rise to serious side effects if given in combination.
In clinical application of medicinal herbs, we should make the widest possible use of the two kinds of ingredients with the relation of mutual reinforcement or mutual assistance so as to make full use of their coordination and rein-forcing each other's action and to raise their therapeutic effects and extend the range of their treatment. When we use medicinal herbs with toxicity or severe side-effects, we should choose the herbs with the relation of mutual restraint or mutual detoxication with the purpose of weakening or eliminating each other's toxic action or side-effects. The medicinal herbs with the relation of mutual inhibition and incompatibility should be avoided as much as possible to use in combination so as to prevent the therapeutic effects from decreasing or losing, or to stop producing toxin and side effects.
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Qigong-Sitting Exercise

Take a sitting position in practice with body still or in dong. There are various forms for sitting exercise such as sitting at ease with legs crossed, sitting with the lower part of one leg on the same part of the other leg, sitting with left foot tucked under right thigh and right foot under left thigh and sitting on a bed or a chair with feet flatly on ground.
Qigong-Standing Exercise
Take a standing position in practice with body still and motionless but your mind clear of distractions and breathe regulated. Points to remember: Keep joints slightly bent, crotch open, head erect, body upright, shoulders relaxed and elbows lowered so that you can enter a state of jing (still-ness). This position, seen of ten in health-keeping exercises and wushu practice, is used by various qigong schools as a basic method to build up qi.
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Relaxing the Chinese Way

In the latest of our series on unusual ways to get healthy, Katie Baldwin tried out the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong.
WITH exercises called things like "pulling nine cows by the tail", it could be hard to take Qigong seriously.But watch this art performed ¨C or better still try it ¨C and it's clear just how hard it is to perfect. You've probably heard of tai chi, but possibly not Qigong. It comprises regulated breathing and deliberate, slow movements to reach various poses. Originally part of traditional Chinese medicine, the aim is to bring together breathing, body and mind as one for both physical and mental benefits.
Thousands of people all over China practise Qigong and to promote its benefits, Health Qigong has been developed. It includes four sets of exercises specifically aimed at improving health, with Medical Qigong recognised in Chinese hospitals and part of the country's National Health Plan. Watching it being practised in Leeds, it is easy to see how it helps maintain a healthy mind, if not body too.
Three practitioners visiting the city from China move slowly and effortlessly from pose to pose. Every movement is deliberate, measured and supremely relaxing to watch ¨C no wonder that the practice is also linked to meditation. Organised by Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds, the visit by members of the Chinese Health Qigong Association saw people throughout the city try out the practice. And the reaction from people in Leeds was very positive. Classes at Leeds University were packed and the enthusiasm from learners at the University of the Third Age particularly impressed the delegation. But as I learned, watching Qigong and trying it out are quite different things. Standing next to the three experts I thought I'd copied their poses fairly accurately. But a few adjustments later showed the position of my hands, or feet, weren't quite right. As well as classes at the university and the Chinese Community Association, there was also a special civic reception for the group hosted by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, Reverend Councillor Alan Taylor.
From TCM Forum: Relaxing the Chinese Way
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Tai Chi: Healing in Motion

Perhaps it was the Celebrex commercial, featuring nimble people in orange jackets practicing Tai Chi outdoors. Or, the thousands of baby boomers who today are looking for a healthy way to ease on down the road of life. Maybe it's because Tai Chi has so very many styles: Chen. Sun. Yang. Wu. Hao. Hu Lei. Zhao Bao. Whoa. Whatever the reason, the martial art called Tai Chi has become the fastest-growing exercise in America, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association.

Tai Chi just reached a tipping point, said author Arthur Rosenfeld. "It is popping up everywhere. Consider Tai Chi another tool in your fitness work chest. Proceed cautiously and take the time to understand this eclectic exercise. It could help you keep your equilibrium in the face of whatever life serves your way. It may even help you sleep. At age 71, Patricia Honsberger finds time weekly to stand like a golden rooster, one of the Tai Chi movements that work the abdominal muscles. She heads out like clockwork, Every Tuesday morning to pick up her mother Alice Eidenier for their Tai Chi class. Hansberger thought Tai Chi would help with the arthritis pain suffered by her 94-year-old mother.

Tai Chi has been the thing for us, said Hansberger, who recently returned from a Tai Chi cruise to Mexico. "Otherwise, I would have to go on some quiet hikes. It's hard looking after a mother who is in pain all the time." Tai Chi's exercise involves prolonged movements, requiring muscles to keep working for long periods of time. Breathing enhances these movements and helps to increase the joint's range of motion. When you least expect it, all of this kicks in for balance and strength to prevent a fall, for example. That's why this martial art has traditionally been associated with longevity and maintenance.

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Tai Chi: Healing in Motion

Perhaps it was the Celebrex commercial, featuring nimble people in orange jackets practicing Tai Chi outdoors. Or, the thousands of baby boomers who today are looking for a healthy way to ease on down the road of life. Maybe it's because Tai Chi has so very many styles: Chen. Sun. Yang. Wu. Hao. Hu Lei. Zhao Bao. Whoa. Whatever the reason, the martial art called Tai Chi has become the fastest-growing exercise in America, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association.

Tai Chi just reached a tipping point, said author Arthur Rosenfeld. "It is popping up everywhere. Consider Tai Chi another tool in your fitness work chest. Proceed cautiously and take the time to understand this eclectic exercise. It could help you keep your equilibrium in the face of whatever life serves your way. It may even help you sleep. At age 71, Patricia Honsberger finds time weekly to stand like a golden rooster, one of the Tai Chi movements that work the abdominal muscles. She heads out like clockwork, Every Tuesday morning to pick up her mother Alice Eidenier for their Tai Chi class. Hansberger thought Tai Chi would help with the arthritis pain suffered by her 94-year-old mother.

Tai Chi has been the thing for us, said Hansberger, who recently returned from a Tai Chi cruise to Mexico. "Otherwise, I would have to go on some quiet hikes. It's hard looking after a mother who is in pain all the time." Tai Chi's exercise involves prolonged movements, requiring muscles to keep working for long periods of time. Breathing enhances these movements and helps to increase the joint's range of motion. When you least expect it, all of this kicks in for balance and strength to prevent a fall, for example. That's why this martial art has traditionally been associated with longevity and maintenance.

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A：If you want to know information about traditional Chinese medicine culture, please clink it.
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E: Chinese herbal tea is very effective at many chronic diseases, clink it you will find its image.

Chinese Health Qigong Masters Promote Cultural

Liu Huibin, a 45-year-old Chinese American, has practiced Ba Duan Jin, or Eight Steps of Brocade, Chinese classic exercise sets, to ease up after long hours of working at a local restaurant. When Liu, who learned routines of the exercise set only through books and DVDs, read that a team of health qigong masters from China would have a performance in New York, he jumped on the opportunity.

Liu was one of about 100 people from the greater New York area who were lucky enough to get a chance to meet a delegation from the Chinese Health Qigong Association Saturday. More than 200 had signed up for the event at the Asian Cultural Center in Manhattan.

After a brief introduction of the delegates and a short videotape about the development of health qigong in China and around the world, the masters went directly to the act.

As the performance proceeded, many in the audience started following the movements of the masters, including Professor Hu Xiaofei, who tutors graduate students at Beijing Sports University majoring in sports health preservation, and Yang Yubing, who has a doctorate in traditional ethnic sports.

As time went by, almost all the audience joined the action, with chairs folded up and moved to the side. Spiros Mantzakos, who runs a foods company in Astoria, New York, found the delegation's demonstration somewhat different from what was taught at the Wu Tang Chinese Martial Arts Center in Flushing, New York.

Mantzakos goes to Wu Tang twice a week to learn Kung Fu and TaiChi to keep fit. In the 21st century, health is ever more important.

"It's your temple," Mantzakos said. The pursuit for fitness, both physical and mental, had much resonance in the room, where one could spot many couples and a child who came with her grandparents.
David A. Blau, at 53 but looks much younger, knows very well the benefits of exercising the Chinese way. Blau, who leads a company in Paramus, New Jersey, which provides supply chain services, used to live in Beijing and practice Tai Chi in the morning at community parks together with local senior citizens.

He still practices the routines whenever possible, Blau said.

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Exercisers Slow It Down With Qigong

CHUNYI LIN remembers the first qigong class he ever taught in the United States. In 1993, he traveled from China as part of a cultural exchange between schools, and was asked to teach at a community center in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. Only five people showed up.

"Nobody knew of qigong, said Mr. Lin, 49, a master of the age-old practice, which entails coordinating slow movements with breathing to cultivate the flow of energy, or qi, in a sort of graceful, fluid dance.Now, he runs a qigong center in Eden Prairie, Minn, called Spring Forest, where he teaches to packed classes of more than 60 students and workshops nationwide to hundreds more. "Qigong is growing like crazy in the United States in the past few years, Mr. Lin said. "People want to be more proactive with their health care.

The face of exercise is changing in America. Instead of relentlessly pursuing a sculptured physique, people are chasing longevity, stress reduction and improved health through mind-body practices like qigong.

"The realm of working out has shifted from people just wanting to build bulk and lean, toned muscles to them understanding that the inner health of the body is just as important as the outer health, said Bernard Shannon, a medical qigong therapist who works one on one with clients and sits on the board of the National Qigong Association, a trade group.

This vanguard of wellness-motivated exercisers prefers a regimen that encourages self-awareness to one with a high calorie burn.

"People want to get back to a simpler time, said Ted J. Cibik, a medical qigong therapist and a certified health and fitness instructor, whose patients include athletes. "They want to find something they can practice that doesn't take a lot of
apparatus, allows them to deal with their stress, and gives them a good physical workout in the sense that it gets them moving.

It wasn't until recently that the ancient, gentle practice of qigong caught the attention of even the most sophisticated American exercisers.

The reasons vary. Mindful yoga has acclimated people to Eastern practices. Rising health care costs and expensive prescriptions have led people to look for alternative ways to feel vital. And an influx of qigong teachers from China has paved the way for new generations of teachers and students.

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