AMBER used in TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine:
This piece of amber that I am holding is worth $6000 SGD, owned by a Chinese physician. Many years ago, a reputable TCM master wears an amber to protect his 'Ki' when carrying out Qi Gong acupuncture healing. Li Shi Zhen who was a highly influential figure in Chinese medicine and the author of "Bencao Gangmu", recorded that Amber is one of the subjects which all Chinese physicians need to study.

I was very curious and excited to learn about this medicine called amber when I was doing my TCM studies on herbs. I remembered my grandma had once ask a physician to grind the cheaper amber into power and mix with herbs to cook.

You may be wondering how does amber taste like? I find medicine Amber(must be from the right tree) has barely any taste. Slightly bitter and sweet but has no fragrance. Its neutral by nature (neither heaty or cooling).

Mainly, Chinese amber is grounded to powder and swallowed down with water or, more commonly, with a decoctions of herbs. It is also compressed into pills made with powder or extracts of other ingredients.

It has been scientifically proven that amber is primarily used in Chinese herbalism to relax the nerves and calm the mind. It is safe and effective as a mild tranquilizer. Amber has excellent effects for people experiencing palpitations due to anxiety, insomnia, excessive dreaming and nightmares. Amber can be especially beneficial to those who suffers from excess tension due to stress.

In crystal healing, old amber is used as it possessed many beneficial usages. If you came across amber in crystal shops, try holding it in your hand, you can feel the moving blood circulation moving :D

NB: I will be flying to Thailand next week for a course in natural therapy. I might also have chance to design amber mala soon. If you are interested to know how amber is used in crystal healing, you can check out http://www.bryanverygoodluck.blogspot.com/