Networking
e-Group ~ Member Websites ~ Member Profile ~ Herbal Resources
CHAI e-Group
You are invited to join the CHAI Yahoo! e-group by following the link http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CHA/
It is a great place to ask questions, offer help, and network with others. CHAI events, notices, and information are posted through the e-Group. CHAI membership encouraged, but not required!
CHAI
Member Websites
If you are a current member of CHAI and you would like your website linked with a short description, please e-mail WebWeaver. Even if you do not have a web site, you may like to post a brief description and your directory information.
Elemental Herbs Medical Herbs and Nutrition Pam Leahy
Organic Family Magazine C.J. Wong
Conscious CT Jon Roe
Sattva Vital Health Cynthia Baker
Topmost Herb Farm Carole Miller
Walk in the Woods Rosemari Roast
White Willow Ways Liz Santamaria
Natures Helper Medical Stacey Munro, N.D.
Earths Treasures CT Marlene McKensie
Susan Parks Susan Parks
Sleepymoon Soaps Winter Caplanson
Lupos Botanicals Lupo Connell
Sagewood Herb Farm Kate Rakosky
Gayles Thyme Gayle Nogas
Herbs 'n Honey ~ Deb Pouech - Specializing in web design & maintenance for the herbal community. Let us help you create webpages that tell the world all about you and your herbal business.
Member Profiles - From the CT Thymes, January, 2008
My Name is Laura…and I Am a Chinese Herbalist -Laura Mignosa, NCCH, Director CT Institute for Herbal Studies. For over 12 years, I have been asked just what IS it I do, and how did I get involved in this Healing practice? I can only say that once introduced to Chinese Herbs and the Chinese Medical Theory that makes up one branch of Chinese Medicine, I was hooked!
This is me at the Xuan Wu TCM Hospital in Beijing recording a formula. The additional photos are of the town of Lijiang at the base of the Himalayas.
I originally learned my skill by interning with a famous Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Author, Arthur Shattuck. Later, I strengthened my knowledge by bringing many very well known Chinese Herbologists/Acupuncturists from across the country to teach at my school, the Ct Institute for Herbal Studies. I continued my training by studying in Beijing and Taiwan Hospitals to learn how the integration of Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine was used in the Motherland. Today, I am able to provide this opportunity for my students and others while enjoying the culture that IS China.
We have just returned from our 12th annual trip and it included travel to Beijing, Xi’an (home of the Terra Cotta Soldiers) and Lijiang, an 800 Year old town set at the base of the Himalayas. Its chief attraction, besides clear air and magnificent views of Jade Snow Mountain, is the fact that it is one of the last Matriarchal cities in the world. It is located in Yunnan Province where more than 50% of our herbs and tea in Chinese Medicine are grown and it was an exceptional experience for herbalist and adventurer alike. As each year passes, I find more and more reasons to return to this country, The People are kind and the doctors and friends we meet each year hold so much hope for a better world for all of us. Please see our website www.ctherbschool for information on our affordable and unbelievable tour in October 2008.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for over 4000 years and uses a highly developed theoretical system which determines the appropriate application of herbs based on an individual’s unique symptoms and not just on a named disease. In this way TCM treats the causes of disease and not just the disease itself.
Chinese Herbalists use groups of herbs to counter side effects. Most formulas consist of 4 herbs and are then modified based on the individual’s need and body makeup. By utilizing the Eight Principle Theory (Yin/Yang, Cold/Hot, Interior/Exterior and Deficiency/Excess) as well as Tongue and Pulse diagnosis, a Chinese Herbologist is able to make suggestions of foods, herbs and life style changes while always maintaining that we must First Do No Harm.
One of the primary differences between Western and Chinese Herbology, is that Western Herbs are grown and harvested here while Chinese Herbs are grown and processed by tradition, in China and brought here to be used as medicine.
There is a movement to seek out these traditional methods of preparing the herbs and contain them in a book written by an esteemed Author on Chinese Medicine and an organic farmer in California, It is the first step towards bringing the farming and essence of Chinese Medicinal plants to the United States.
However, all raw herbs and concentrated Tea Tablets are hospital grade and tested for contaminates of all kinds. This is key to our success and the health of our patients along with a competent TCM diagnosis.
There is much to say on the subject of healing with Chinese Herbs and I trust you will seek education in this art and science or find an experienced practitioner to help you with your goal to walk gracefully into this life we lead.
Appointments for Care and Information on upcoming classes as well as our China Tour are available on the web at www.ctherbschool.com or by phone at 860-666-5064.
Laura is a Nationally Certified Chinese Herbologist who is both Western and China trained. She is the director of CIHS since 1992 and travels yearly to China for study and to expose her students to the culture and clinical training of Beijing Hospitals. She has worked closely with UConn Medical Center since 1996 using the effectiveness of Chinese herbs for menopausal symptoms and breast cancer. Laura was involved in a clinical study using Chinese herbs for hot flashes at UConn Medical Center. In addition to her work at the school, Laura is a national lecturer, designs Chinese Herbal formulas for pets and works as a consultant on Chinese Herbal Formulas. Her private practice is maintained at the school at 900 Wells Road (Rt 175) Wethersfield, CT 06109
Herbal Resources
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