Hong Kong is one of the most renowned and well-developed cities in Asia, where centuries-old temples and herbal shops still exist. The enchanting blend of tradition and science they continually supported is the use of traditional Chinese medicine Hong Kong (香港 中醫).
Traditional Chinese medicine remains respected and used by the locals and tourists looking for natural remedies, even though HK is highly modernized. The question is, how do these ancient prescriptions work?
The deep-rooted tradition
Chinese medicine treats symptoms based on:
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- Balance of Yin and Yang
- Flow of Qi in the body
It happens when something is unbalanced, discomfort and illness can occur. The difference between Western medicine, which targets specific conditions. Chinese prescriptions target treating the whole body, including:
- restoring harmony
- supporting long-term wellness
Chinese medicine focuses on treating the whole body for its overall wellness. The prescriptions are created based on:
- body type
- environment
- overall health
So, it is not just the illness that Chinese medicine focuses on. The Chinese medicine practitioner usually performs the consultation through the following:
- ask many questions
- check your pulse
- look at your tongue
- evaluate your sleep
- digestion
- mood
After getting all your answers, craft personalized herbal formulas.
What is inside the prescriptions?
The ancient Chinese prescriptions do not just have one, but are made of multiple herbs. The herbs listed include:
- roots
- flowers
- seeds
- bark
- minerals
You can find many traditional herbal shops in Hong Kong, where dried herbs are weighed and packed by hand. Each herb has a medicinal role, such as:
- address symptoms
- support the immune system
- balance out every ingredient’s strong effects to others
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a popular example, which is used to boost energy and support kidney health. Gan Mao Ling is a common prescription, a popular herbal remedy for fighting cold and flu.
From dried roots to herbal soup
The ancient Chinese prescription in Hong Kong is prepared and packed in a small bag of dried plants. But, it is only the beginning or a basic medicine to get.
Most prescriptions are turned into soups or herbal teas. It is so appreciating that these prescriptions are not like those ordinary synthetic medicines to be taken separately from your food and beverages. You will never feel that you are taking medicine since it becomes included in your daily consumption or intake of food.
Herbal teas and soups are like ordinary food to be taken regularly. So, you will never notice that you are on medication. Herbal teas or soups are often simmered for hours to extract the healing compounds before taking. Many people swear by the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, regardless of the earthy and strong taste, which can sometimes be bitter.
Many clinics and shops in Hong Kong have started offering modern forms of the ancient remedies recently, such as:
- powders
- capsules
- ready-to-drink herbal drinks
Busy people can stick to their treatments without brewing herbs at home. It becomes a convenient traditional medicine anyone can take, without skipping.
Scientific support and modern applications
Some people still view Chinese medicine with doubt, yet you will see the contents of synthetic medicines containing Chinese herbs. Can you see how people cannot realize how these things happen?
Many herbs used in ancient prescriptions have been studied and found to contain the following:
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- immune-boosting properties
The government in HK recognizes and regulates traditional Chinese medicine by ensuring safety and quality standards in pharmacies and clinics.
Conclusion
Ancient Chinese prescriptions in HK have become a part of the rich tradition, emphasizing balance and natural healing. Combining the deep-rooted wisdom with the modern practices makes these remedies continue to thrive in one of Asia’s modernized cities.
