Glossary

Chinese herbology

[Subterm of Traditional Chinese Medicine]

Chinese herbology requires the subtle understanding how to use and combine ambivalent and polyvalent herbs. Herbal prescriptions are usually selected for their action on particular meridians and might be used in conjunction with moxa or acupuncture. There are complex laws governing the preparation and administering of herbs. Chinese herbs in traditional medicine are arranged in a hierarchy of “ruler”, “minister”, “deputy”, “delegate”, or “servant “: it is a hierarchy of a master remedy and associate drugs. Many conductors, for example, promote therapeutic results by facilitating the master remedy. The general strategy is to promote beneficial results and inhibit, or neutralize undesirable effects.