WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WESTERN AND EASTERN HERBALISM?
Western herbalism primarily treats single or separate Symptoms such as headache,insomnia, constipation, etc. Most have heard of taking Echinacea for colds, Ginkgo for memory or St. John’s Wort for mild depression. One herb or a small group of herbs is used for each symptom somewhat like Western drugs. Chinese herbalism bases itself on Diagnosing You: formulas are made unique based partly on your symptoms, but also on emotional temperament, cause, duration of disease, & your overall body constitution. So, three people with a headache may be diagnosed three different ways and take 3 very different formulas. About 25% of Western herbs are found in the Chinese pharmacoepia, they are just used differently. I am currently one of only 25 people on Oahu nationally certified in Chinese herbology (NCCAOM) out of some 250 acupuncturists. I do also use some Western herbs and supplements and can effectively guide patients on what to look for in local health food stores/vitamin shops a field I worke
