Astrology and Health
through herbs to wholeness
What is Herbal Medicine?Herbal Medicine is the use
of plants for medicines. Utilised since time immemorial, herbal medicine
is currently used by over 80% of the world's population. Herbalism within
Britain has evolved through the centuries drawing from the collective experience
of the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Celts and Saxons. In the nineteenth
century herbal knowledge from the Red Indians (Native Americans) augmented the European tradition,
while most recently it has been enriched by the influence of the Chinese
and Ayurvedic traditions. Herbalists predominantly
use alcoholic extracts of herbs called tinctures to influence the body.
Although the action of herbs is often slow, given time they are more effective and significantly freer from the side effects of conventional drugs. The main reason for this is that herbs are used to assist the body's own healing mechanisms rather than drugs which are designed to suppress symptoms. Herbs
help the body do what it knows best.
Herbs are used not only
to help counteract disease, but also to enhance the patient's health and
vitality whereby the body is gently nurtured back to optimum wellbeing.
The journey back to health takes time. As a simple guide, the body takes
a month to heal for every year of ill-health. Time invested in the
healing process has its rewards in future well being. Health is the experience
of physical, emotional, mental well being, not merely an absence of symptoms.
Health is not a static state, but an ever-evolving creative process. Herbs
can greatly enrich a person's health. What Conditions can be Treated by Herbal Medicine?
Since the focus of herbal
treatment is to enhance the body to heal itself rather than treat specific
diseases, many people can benefit from herbal medicine. Herbs are especially helpful in digestive, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, hormonal, immune and skin disorders. Each individual has their own pattern of health
and for this reason a large part of the skill of a herbalist lies in prescribing
a combination of herbs unique to each patient. The aim is to provide
the right combination that will restore a person to health.
Though initially only causing mild discomfort and inconvenience, the persistence of minor ailments over months or years should alert the patient to consider their underlying health more seriously. Minor problems can become more entrenched in the body; however, if treated herbally at an early stage. they are often easily resolved.
More established illness often causes people to feel a victim of circumstances they cannot control. However, when approached positively, illness can provide an opportunity for inner growth and understanding. The sympathetic use of herbal medicine can greatly assist the body to overcome such illness, leading people to a greater control over their lives.
The Herbal ConsultationThe first consultation takes approximately 1 hour. The consultation
will mainly focus on the physical symptoms and conditions you are currently
experiencing. Factors such as diet, life style, past and family illness,
work pressures, emotional stress, trauma and worry are also examined,
all of which can weaken one's vitality, leading to or aggravating physical
illness. Health is best nurtured in an atmosphere of mutual co-operation.
The rapport between herbalist and patient should lead to a greater understanding
of the disease process, which in turn leads to greater self awareness.
In treating disease as part of a process of self discovery the patient
can learn the practical, emotional and psychological skills to overcome
the disease and enhance their state of health. Though it is understandable
that people are often reluctant to admit their most intimate pains, being
honest with oneself about all issues that cause pain is the surest way
to start the healing process. Follow Up ConsultationsA follow up consultation
is necessary two weeks after the initial consultation, and then at monthly
intervals according to individual needs. These consultations take approximately
half an hour. They are important because they enable the herbalist to assess your progress and adjust your prescription according to changes in your health. These sessions can also be used to discuss any insights and emotional issues that may arise from the treatment. Telephone ConsultationsAfter the inital consultation, it is often possible to conduct follow up
consultations over the phone, or by email. Further supplies of medicine can be sent in the post. Full details are available at the first consultation. MedicinesHerbal prescriptions are
unique for each person, depending upon your own individual pattern of health.
For this reason the herbal practitioner cannot give herbal medicine without
a consultation first. You may be given tinctures, tablets, ointments, creams,
or herb teas according to your particular needs. |
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