r e w i n d n o t e ♥︎

so, i’ve been diving into the world of herbalism, specifically chinese medicine, and wow, there’s so much to learn! it’s been both fascinating and overwhelming at the same time, but i’m really enjoying it. here’s a little breakdown of what i’ve picked up so far.

the basics of chinese herbalism

the foundation of chinese herbal medicine is all about balance. it’s deeply rooted in the concept of yin and yang, the idea that everything in the body needs to be in harmony. illness or discomfort arises when there’s an imbalance, so herbal remedies are all about restoring that equilibrium.

five elements theory

i also learned about the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. these elements are linked to different organs, emotions, and seasons, which help guide the way herbs are used to treat specific issues. for example, the liver is connected to wood, and emotions like anger can affect it. learning how these elements interact with each other has been a game-changer in understanding the bigger picture of health in chinese medicine.

herbs i’ve learned about

there are so many herbs with specific healing properties, and each one has a unique role. some of the ones that really stood out to me include:

ginseng (人参): boosts energy, strengthens immunity, and helps with stress.

dong quai (当归): often called “female ginseng,” it’s used to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve blood flow.

goji berries (枸杞): superfood for the liver and kidneys, packed with antioxidants.

licorice root (甘草): a harmonizer, helping to balance other herbs and improve digestion.

how herbs are used

the interesting thing is that chinese medicine often combines herbs into formulas, rather than using a single herb to treat an issue. this way, you can tailor treatments to the individual’s needs, balancing out different herbs to support the body’s natural healing process.

diagnosing through observation

i’ve also learned that diagnosis in chinese medicine goes beyond just symptoms. it involves looking at a person’s tongue, pulse, and overall energy (or qi). it’s wild how much information these small details can reveal about someone’s health.

acupuncture & herbs

acupuncture and herbal remedies often go hand in hand. while herbs treat the body internally, acupuncture helps to unblock energy pathways, allowing the herbs to work more effectively. i’ve started to see how these two practices complement each other, which has made me even more excited to explore both sides of chinese medicine.

why i’m fascinated

what i love about chinese herbalism is how holistic it is. it’s not just about fixing a symptom; it’s about understanding the whole person; their lifestyle, emotions, and environment. it’s all connected. plus, herbs have been used for thousands of years, so there’s a deep wisdom in these remedies that feels timeless and natural.

i’m still very much at the beginning of my journey, but every lesson feels like a small discovery. the more i learn, the more i feel like i’m tapping into something ancient and powerful. can’t wait to continue exploring this world of healing!

Labels: 2024年11月, herbalist