WORCESTER'S first Chinese medical centre has opened its doors in Foregate Street.

Chi Chinese Clinics can offer treatment for eczema, stress, earache and allergic disorders, through herbal medicine, acupuncture and acupressure.

Its founders, Dr Zhenghong Qi and George Moden, noticed a gap in the market in Worcester and decided to share their knowledge.

"Chinese medicine is very different to Western medicine," said Dr Qi, who has previously worked in several other clinics.

"Rather than treat the symptoms, such as an itch, in Chinese medicine we look at the cause and try to find out what is causing the itch."

The centre, based in a former sports clearance shop, is filled with an abundance of herbs, ranging from saffron and cinnamon to the lesser known pixia and dog's back.

Dr Qi has spent more than six years learning about Chinese medicine. He is also trained in Western medicine and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Chinese medicine itself dates back more than 5,000 years and there are more than 300 commonly-used herbs.

The Royal Free Hospital in London has also become aware of the benefits and it is now training their doctors in the use of Chinese herbal medicine.

Dr Qi claims to able to help people give up smoking through acupuncture and herbal drinks.