Medical Dialogue
医学会话
Discussion of Chinese Herbs
讨论中药
Dr. Jason Tang is q Doctor of Chinese Medicine in Colorado, USA. He is giving a free consultation to Laura Johnson, a prospective patient.
| doctor: | Hello, I am Dr. Jason Tang. I am glad to meet you. |
| laura: | I am Laura Johnson. Glad to meet you too. |
| doctor: | I understand that you would like to learn about Chinese herbs. Have you ever taken any? |
| laura: | No, I have never taken any Chinese herbs. It's a very new experience for me. |
| doctor: | Do you have any questions about Chinese herbs? |
| laura: | Yes, I do. What is Chinese herbal medicine? |
| doctor: | The herbs are concentrated extracts from nature, mostly plants, roots, and bark that, through clinical observations, have been proven to stimulate and aid the body in healing. Traditional Chinese Medicine is the world's oldest professional medicine. Its written history stretches back over 3,000 years. |
| laura: | Is there a difference between Western herbal medicine and Chinese herbal medicine? |
| doctor: | Absolutely, there are important distinctions. Like a lot of Western drug therapies, Western herbs generally treat diseases or symptoms, such as colds, headaches, stomach aches, and urinary tract infections. In contrast, Chinese herbs not only address the particular disease or pattern of symptoms, but evaluate and treat the individual patient's fundamental constitution. |
| laura: | Where are the herbs from? |
| doctor: | Most of the herbs originate in China. Only about 20% are from outside China. |
| laura: | If you are using a Chinese herb from the Orient, will it work for Western patients? |
| doctor: | Yes, Chinese herbal medicine works magnificently for Western patients. Chinese herbal medicine has been used with great success all over the world, and is actually part of a global network of cultures that address disease with natural substances. |
| laura: | Do Chinese herbal medicines have side effects? |
| doctor: | Most Chinese herbal medicines have an extremely low incidence of any side effects whatsoever, compared to common over-the-counter Western drugs, and they are much safer than prescription medications. When prescribed correctly, the formulas should have few, if any, side effects. They usually have only positive and beneficial healing results. |
| laura: | What should I do if I do not feel well after taking herbs? |
| doctor: | If you experience any discomfort while taking Chinese herbal medicine, stop taking the formula and call your practitioner. He or she can modify the formula in content or in dosage so that the desired healing effect can take place safely and naturally. |
| laura: | Can women take Chinese herbs if they are pregnant? |
| doctor: | Absolutely. There is a long tradition of treating pregnant women with herbs, for problems specifically concerning their pregnancy, as well as other issues they may have while being pregnant. |
| laura: | Are Chinese herbs OK for children? |
| doctor: | Pediatrics is a specialty within the context of Chinese herbs. Children respond quickly and naturally to this form of treatment. The herbs are often administered in children's juice in reduced dosages. |
| laura: | Are Chinese herbs effective for digestive problem like I have? |
| doctor: | Yes, they are very effective for treating acid reflux, diarrhea, nausea, and bloating. |
| laura: | How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbs? |
| doctor: | Some patients respond quickly — within a few minutes or hours. For others it may take a few days to a few weeks. More chronic conditions may require taking the herbs for a long time, yet progress of some kind should be noticeable to the patient and practitioner alike. |
| laura: | How do I take the herbs? |
| doctor: | Modern practitioners usually have an extensive herbal pharmacy with various types of herbal medication: concentrated solutions, powders, tablets and capsules. The powders and solutions are mixed in water, while the capsules and tablets can be taken like a pill. |
| laura: | Thank you very much for your insight. How do I get some herbs for my condition? |
| doctor: | You are very welcome. You need to make an appointment with my clinical manager for a full examination and evaluation. Then I will prescribe a Chinese formula for you. |
| laura: | That sounds very good. I will make an appointment with her right now. |
| doctor: | Thank you. See you soon. |