FAQs

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system of healthcare diagnosis and approaches that originated in China some 5,000 years ago. A practitioner, through the observation of a patient’s bodily responses, uses basic principles in TCM such as herbal formulas or acupuncture to balance the patient’s physical and physiological condition.

The conventional Western Medicine adopts a more symptomatic approach, whereas TCM regards the human body and nature as an inseparable whole. Western Medicine combats illness with counter medicines to create an oppositional effect. For example, anti-pyretics are used to lower the body temperature during fever. The TCM holistic approach considers a person’s mind and body, diet and exercise, lifestyle and relationships, work and leisure, the climate and environment at large. This “whole” is composed of many variables, which have an intimate connection that exert influences on each other.

TCM views disease as a result of disharmony in the body. The state of harmony in the body refers to the balance between the Yin and Yang, vital energy (Qi) and blood as well as between the functions of the different organs and between the environment and our body. One of the main approaches in TCM to maintain health is to strengthen the body resistance such that we are readily able to overcome and dismiss any disease causative factors. Causes of diseases include: External causative factors – disease may arise due to sudden or unexpected climatic changes. The 6 key factors often discussed are Wind, Heat/Fire, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness and Cold; Internal causative factors – includes emotional distress, internal dysfunction of organs and a poor body constitution; Other factors may be organic, for example, viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria, or lifestyle and situation for example, diet, trauma and sexual activities etc.

As a strong propagator of TCM, HERITAGE® seeks to: Provide health supplements that aim to restore the imbalance or disharmony of Yin and Yang, Vital energy and blood in the body so as to sustain the vital health; Act as an adjuvant supplement and tonic for improved health management; Improve the patient compliance by providing remedial herbs in convenient dosage forms.

Influenza, or flu, is an acute and contagious infection of the respiratory tract. Its symptoms include running nose, cough, chills, headache, fever and severe aching in the muscles and joints. According to TCM, cold and flu is the result of a weakened body defense system that has been invaded by external causative factors including pathogens such as parasites, bacteria and viruses and climatic factors.

Treatment:
* Fortify the body’s defense mechanisms
* Resolve causative factors through detoxification, reducing inflammation, inducing perspiration and cooling an over-heated system
* Relieve the associated symptoms of cold and flu
* It is also advisable that your diet be modified to exclude spicy, greasy, fried or very rich food. Thin porridge, steamed fish, vegetables with lots of warm water are recommended.

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua)
* Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua)
* Chinese Thorowax (Chai Hu)
* Ephedra (Ma Huang)
* Saposhnikoia Root (Fang Feng)
* Schizomepeta Herb (jing Jie)
* Platycodon Root (Jie Geng)
* Peppermint (Bo He)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Cough Alievaid Herbal Linctus
* Heritage® Cough & Muco-Relief
* Heritage® Vapor Soove

According to TCM, there are many possible causes of a cough. An energy imbalance in each of the five major organ networks can lead to a cough. It is not only a problem that is associated with the Lung. TCM categorises two types of cough: cough due to heat and cough due to cold. The former produces sticky phlegm that is difficult to expectorate; it is treated with cooling, moistening herbs and acupuncture points that clear heat from the lungs. A cough due to cold is accompanied by chills and copious mucus; it is treated with warming, drying herbs and the application of moxibustion.

Treatment:
A diet including pears, honey, white mushrooms, lily bulb and persimmons can help to heal coughs. Acupuncture on specific meridians to restore the flow of Qi and rebalance the affected organ or organs. Certain foods can help heal this condition including pear, ginger, watercress, apple, radish and turnip.

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Lily Bulb
* Citrus
* Pinellia
* Magnolia Bark

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Cough & Muco-Relief
* Heritage® Cough Alievaid Herbal Linctus

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. In TCM, both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are known as bi syndromes, in which Qi becomes blocked at the joints. In most cases, the Qi blockage is caused by a combination of wind or dampness. The immediate cause of Bi syndromes is environmental. Pathogenic influences of Wind, Cold, and Dampness are said to penetrate the body’s defenses and lodge in the muscles, tendons, and joints. In turn, they create obstruction and cause pain, stiffness, and other symptoms.

Treatment:
Changes in diet to include foods with high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce joint tenderness and stiffness Acupuncture on specific meridians to restore the flow of Qi and rebalance the affected organ or organs

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Dang Gui
* White Peony Root
* Ginger
* Tumeric
* Boswellia
* Frankincense

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* HERITAGE® Rheuma-Eeze Pain Relief Formula
* HERITAGE® Rheuma Patch
* HERITAGE® GOLD Rheuma-Salve Extra-Strength Medicated Balm
* HERITAGE® GOLD Pien Tze Huang Anti-Rheumatism Pain Plaster

Acne, commonly known as pimples, is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads and even inflamed spots on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. Besides being cosmetically unpleasant, it can also cause psychological harm. TCM traditionally regards acne as the result of heatiness. Having a weak digestive system as well as a high intake of fat results in toxins that circulate through the bloodstream and body fluids. This is a heat imbalance that is due to an overflow of Yang. It is recommended that you avoid eating seafood, oily food, spicy food, chicken and beef, as these can cause heatiness. Eat pork, vegetables and fruits instead and drink lots of water.

Treatment:
* Fortify the body with herbs that have the effects of relieving stagnation or accumulation of heat, and of purging toxins from the body.
* Resolve causative factors through detoxification, reducing inflammation, inducing perspiration and cooling an over-heated system
* Clear heat from the lungs and the stomach with acupuncture

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Lily Bulb (Bai He)
* Peach Kernel (Tao Ren)
* Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)
* Honeysuckle (Ren Dong Teng)
* Schizomepeta Herb (Jing Jie)
* Platycodon Root (Jie Geng)
* Peony (Shao Yao)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Jin Huang Yan Premium Bird Nest
* Heritage® Pearl Powder

Anxiety is a psychological condition where someone suffers an unpleasant feeling of fear and concern. It can affect a person’s mood and behaviour, resulting in restlessness, lethargy and an inability to be productive. TCM regards anxiety as a result of the mind being unable to think properly, with an excess of fear in the body. As fear is linked to the kidneys, TCM treatment aims to fortify the kidneys and promote a stronger Qi to dispel the sensation of fear. Meditation is an essential accompaniment to herbal treatment in order to calm the mind and restore energy and vitality to the body.

Treatment:
* Fortify the kidneys and liver in order to help the body process emotions better and support overall well-being
* Support the spleen to reduce anxiety and worry
* Balance inner organ function through acupuncture

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Sage Root (Dan Shen)
* Siberian Milk Wort (Zhi Mu)
* Ginseng (Ren Shen)
* Schizandra Fruit (Wu Wei Zi)
* Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
* Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Toco 3E plus Q10

Balding, which is common in men but can also affect women, is the loss of hair from the scalp. According to TCM, balding has many causes that can differ from individual to individual. For Asians, balding can be taken as a sign that the body suffers from some internal diseases. Oftentimes, balding can also be the result of an imbalance in Yin, as well as vacuity in blood and essential fluids. As there are different underlying causes of balding for both men and women, a variety of treatment modalities including herbal supplements and hair tonics are used. An infusion made of cinnamon and honey drunk daily can help to improve hair growth. Massage the scalp regularly to improve circulation and allow more nutrients to reach the hair follicle.

Treatment:
* Fortify blood and essential fluids through herbs
* Support the liver and and kidney to promote hair growth
* Nourish scalp to treat malnourishmente

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Cinnamon (Gui Pi)
* Turmeric (He Shou Wu)
* White Mulberry (Sang Zhi)
* Ginseng (Ren Shen)
* Acanthopanax Gracilistylus (Wu Jia Pi)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Shou Wu Plus
* Heritage® Women’s Choice
* Heritage® Men’s Formula

Fatigue is a physical and psychological condition characterised by a loss of energy and vitality in both men and women. Unlike temporary tiredness, fatigue can last for a prolonged duration of time, resulting in a permanent inability to function normally or focus on everyday tasks. TCM regards fatigue as caused by a deficiency of Qi, blood, and other essential bodily substances that can throw the body into imbalance. Qi tonics that nourish the lungs, spleen and kidneys have great therapeutic value. Avoid cold foods as this can result in Yang deficiency, worsening fatigue.

Treatment:
* Boost energy by improving the function of the lungs, spleen and kidneys
* Treat blood deficiency with tonifying herbs to revitalize blood

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu)
* Astralagus Root (Huang Qi)
* Wolfberry (Gou Qi Zi)
* Ginseng (Ren Shen)
* Yam Root (Shan Yao)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® NeuroGard
* Heritage® Korean Red Ginseng
* Heritage® American Ginseng
* Heritage® Lingzhi Cracked-Spores Plus

Allergies occur when the body reacts badly to a foreign substance, particularly when one’s immune system misidentifies a harmless substance as a toxin, causing a variety of symptoms including rash, sore eyes, swelling and breathing difficulties. Severe allergic reactions can cause the windpipe to swell and restrict breathing. As allergies are a sign that the body is in disharmony, TCM focuses on wind, cold and dampness, which can affect a person whose lung and spleen Qi is not strong enough. Improving spleen Qi can help to clear the lungs of mucous and dry any internal dampness. Milk products, sweets and cold foods can worsen allergies, so it is best to cut these out from your diet if you suffer from allergies.

Treatment:
* Fortify lung and spleen to strengthen resistance to allergic reactions
* Balance body imbalances through regular herbal treatment

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)
* Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu)
* Licorice (Zhi Gan Cao)
* Poria (Fu Ling)

Severe coughs and colds are accompanied by running nose, chills, headache, fever, and aching joints. Depending on whether the cold is caused by heat or cold, various TCM treatments may be used to relieve the respective symptoms of cough and cold. Mucus in the lungs is a breeding ground for bacteria and further infection, so it is important to use moistening herbs that will clear the lungs and allow for recuperation. Colds caused by viral infections cannot be treated with conventional antibiotics, hence a lot of rest and hydration is essential for recovery. Colds are essentially viral in nature, so it is important to eat plenty of immune-boosting foods like soups. Taking a Vitamin C supplement has also been shown to boost one’s immune system substantially.

Treatment:
* Fortify lung and spleen Qi to strengthen resistance to allergic reactions
* Consume plenty of hot liquids to improve circulation and stay hydrated

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua)
* Baical Skullcap Root (Huang Qin)
* Woad Root (Ban Lan Gen)
* Honeysuckle (Ren Dong Teng)
* Schizomepeta Herb (Jing Jie)
* Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)

Heritage® Treatment:
* Heritage® Cough and Muco Relief
* Heritage® Cough Alievaid
* Heritage® Cold and Flu
* Heritage® Deep Sea Japanese Squalene
* Heritage® Cordyceps CS-4

Emotional stress is caused by imbalances in the liver and spleen, as well as disturbances in the digestive system. Its symptoms are irritability, moodiness and an overwhelming feeling of negative energy. The psychological effects of stress can further have a detrimental effect on the physical body, reducing one’s ability to fight illnesses and disease. Generally, TCM treatment of stress aims to restore harmony in the liver and clear the body of any obstructions to allow energy and blood to circulate throughout the body freely. Avoid greasy foods and alcohol as these can further promote blockages in the body. Instead, go for vegetables and organic lean meats, especially fish.

Treatment:
* Identify patterns of disharmony within the body and clear the meridians
* Restore emotional harmony through acupuncture and massage therapy

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Cinnamon (Gui Pi)
* Angelica (Dang Gui)
* Peony (Bai Shao)
* Angelica (Dang Gui)
* Ginseng (Ren Shen)
* Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® American Ginseng
* Heritage® Cordyceps CS-4
* Heritage® Lingzhi Cracked Spores plus

Cholesterol is a fat found naturally in the body. However, high levels of cholesterol can cause significant health problems, including heart attacks and cardiovascular disease. Poor lifestyle and diet choices are both significant factors that result in high cholesterol, especially in developed countries. TCM can help to rebalance high levels of Yang in the liver, which is considered the main cause of high cholesterol. Green tea has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Eat apples regularly as they can prevent plaque from building up in the arteries.

Treatment:
* Alter lifestyle and diet choices to improve overall health and well-being
* Heal overactive liver and production of Yang energy through Qi Gongy

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Hawthorne (Shan Zha)
* Sage Root (Dan Shen)
* Sicklepod Seed (Ju Ming Zi)
* Angelica (Dang Gui)
* Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
* Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Toco 3E plus Q10
* Heritage® Deep Sea Japanese Squalene

Depression is a prolonged state of negativity that can result in inactivity, moodiness and a complete lack of energy. Modern lifestyles can cause depression, particularly when high levels of stress are concurrent. TCM offers centuries of experience dealing with depression by focusing on the internal state of the body. Caused by imbalances or blockages in one or more of the internal organs, depression can quickly spread from just one organ to the rest of the body if the meridians are not cleared. Avoid coffee and alcohol as these can promote blockages in the body. Soy milk can be beneficial for depressive patients, as it contains substances that can regulate hormones.

Treatment:
* Support mental health and wellbeing through acupuncture to clear the meridians
* Improve mood by nourishing kidneys and spleen

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Mint (Bo He)
* Atractylodes Root (Bai Zhu)
* Peony (Bai Shao)
* Angelica (Dang Gui)
* Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
* Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
* Buplerum (Chai Hu)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Toco 3E plus Q10
* Heritage® Women’s Choice

Obesity is an excess of fat in the body, characterised by increased weight and an unhealthy body mass index (BMI). A diet high in fats, sugars and carbohydrates as well as a lack of exercise contributes to obesity, although genetics play an important part as well. TCM focuses not on these external factors, but regards obesity as a manifestation of internal imbalances in the body. Without sufficient Qi, the body’s organs cannot function properly to remove excess fat, especially when the spleen and liver are out of balance. To combat obesity, eat more stews and soups as these are easily digested and give you more energy than regular cooked food. Raw vegetables can also help those whose digestive systems are not as efficient by preventing overeating.

Treatment:

* Support mental health and wellbeing through acupuncture to clear the meridians
* Build Qi using Qi Gong exercises and reducing stress levels
* Relieve excess appetite caused by body imbalances through acupuncture

Common Herbs To Treat:
* Angelica (Dang Gui)
* Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
* Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
* Buplerum (Chai Hu)
* Ginseng (Ren Shen)
* Cordyceps (Chong Cao)
* Hawthorne (Shan Zha)

HERITAGE® Treatment:
* Heritage® Cooling Detox Tea
* Heritage® Herbal Slimming Tea