Posted by Hombre on November 2, 2010, at 23:51:03
In reply to Re: maximize supplements, lower meds?, posted by Christ_empowered on November 2, 2010, at 22:05:05
Christ_empowered,
I first got into Chinese medicine through practicing Tai Chi and Chi Kung. I read a lot of the general theories, but none of it made much sense until I experienced some problems that responded to herbs. In the past, I did not take very good care of myself and my body was very weak, which made my depression worse.
I did see an herbalist for about 6 months several years ago. I had reached rock bottom and didn't know what else to do. For some reason I didn't understand that I was depressed and should have considered medication. That's the power of denial, I guess. The herbs helped quite a bit, but I still wasn't exercising enough and had some other issues that were keeping me dysthymic most of the time.
More recently, I added herbs to my regimen in order to address some of the side effects of my medications. I've done a lot of online research as well as reading whatever I could find at the library. It's very complicated, and the only way I can learn is to read, ponder, experiment with herbs, and then refer back to the texts.
I am also gaining some experience by helping a friend out with her depression. I write down certain formulas from books, buy the raw herbs, and cook them up. I add a few herbs here and there to see if it has any effect.
In this way, I've become familiar with certain types of deficiency patterns and how tonic herbs may help. Herbs can supplement, and in combination with proper diet, rest, and exercise, they can serve as a catalyst towards greater states of health.
poster:Hombre
thread:967069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100930/msgs/968171.html