It’s a fair assumption that 5,000 years ago, people didn’t reach for the paracetamol if they had some annoying aches and pains. Instead, they’d use what nature could offer to overcome their illnesses. And one nation’s ancient remedies are still being used today. Chinese medicine, which prescribes a combination of herbs for ailments ranging from colds to even HIV, is a medical alternative which is growing in popularity in Abu Dhabi. And one practice seeing more and more visitors is the Gulf Chinese Medical Centre.
‘Chinese medicine is about balancing – so if there is too much heat in the body, you use cold herbs to treat it,’ says the centre’s owner, Dr Hu.
The text he uses, Bencao Gangmu, dates back to Ming Dynasty era China in the 16th century, and is a compendium of more than 1,000 herbs that are thought to have medicinal properties. Amazingly, the book, which Dr Hu describes as, ‘the most famous book in the world – based on 5,000 years of medical experience’, is still commonly used all over the world.
‘Chinese medicine treats the condition of the whole body, so can be used for both emotional and physical problems,’ he adds. ‘The different tastes of the herbs – salty, sour, bitter, sweet and spicy – also impact on the effect they have. Spicy herbs are used to activate the metabolism, while sweet tastes can help the digestive system.’
Dr Hu uses a four-step system to diagnose patients. ‘First is the inspection, where I examine the colour of the patient’s skin and their ease of movement. Then I check for smells and sounds – are there any body odours? How does the breathing sound – is there noise in the lungs? Next is the inquiry stage. I ask the patient to describe how they are feeling and if they are cold or hot, or sweaty, for example. Finally I take their pulse.’
Based on his findings, Dr Hu then makes a diagnosis and blends suitable herbs into a formula for the individual.
He recommends always using herbs in conjunction with acupuncture. Dr Hu says his approach has many advantages over Western medicine. ‘Firstly, there are no side effects and, secondly, Chinese medicine can be used for many conditions for which there are no cures in conventional medicine – for example diabetes or hypertension. Sufferers using Western treatments for these conditions have to spend a lifetime using chemical medicines.’
In the case of flu, Dr Hu explains there are two types – one hot, one cold. ‘Western medicine treats them both the same. I would prescribe a different formula depending on which type it is, and in this way I get far quicker results, as well as treating additional problems that can come along with the illness such as low energy or a weakened immune system.’
Sent to Abu Dhabi 20 years ago by the Chinese government to promote Chinese medicine, Dr Hu stayed on in the UAE when his contract had finished and set up his own practice. In the beginning he had just a few patients, but now, as the reputation of traditional Chinese medicine has developed around the world, he has around 50 – mostly westerners but also some Emiratis too. ‘People are beginning to understand that this is the number one alternative medicine. It’s more cost effective than conventional medicine, because you save money and get a better service.’ And who are we to argue with 5,000 years of medical practice?
Dhs250 for one week’s worth of herbal formula. Gulf Chinese Medical Centre, corner Building on Old Airport Road near Al Nasr Street (02 634 3538).
Common herbs used in Chinese medicine
Bitter melon
Used to treat infections caused by retrovirus and is being investigated in the treatment of HIV. Other uses for bitter melon include treating colds, flu and fever, parasites, digestive and skin diseases.
Chrysanthemum
Used in Chinese medicine in prescriptions for colds with heat, headache, inflamed eyes, swelling and pain in the throat, vertigo, tinnitus, sores such as boils, and tightness of the chest and other symptoms caused by anxiety.
Ginkgo biloba
The use of the ginkgo leaf is more recent and has been studied for its cardiovascular benefits. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed herbs and is a great example of a tonic herb – one that balances whatever is going on in your system; if you are tired it can energize you, if you are stressed it will relax you.
Oolong tea
This tea has become more popular in the West, marketed mainly as a diet aid, but just like green tea and all the different varieties, oolong tea is rich in antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and heart disease and contribute to general well-being.
