Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is a traditional approach to healing

Have you ever wondered how people in ancient times treated various illnesses? Well, they had a different way of healing, and it wasn’t just about acupuncture. They used a combination of therapies to improve blood flow and promote healing. One of the most fascinating methods they employed was Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine has a rich history that goes back thousands of years. It is a highly sophisticated system of medicine that is still widely used today. People in China have been using herbs to treat a wide range of ailments, from the common cold to certain types of cancer. 

Traditionally, when you visit a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, they would create a personalized formula just for you. This formula will consist of a mixture of different herbs that have been carefully chosen to address your specific condition. You’d then have to go home and cook the ingredients in order to prepare your specific formula. Currently, we’ve been able to skip all those steps and will pre-cook formulas into capsulated formulas. This does mean the formula isn’t tailored directly to an individual but it is an effective administration route.

What do I do to prepare for an appointment?

When you prepare for your appointment, it is crucial to inform your practitioner about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. This is important because certain herbs may interact with other substances and cause unwanted effects. Your practitioner will be able to adjust your formula accordingly to avoid any potential complications.

How many different herbal formulas are there?

Interestingly, there are thousands of herbs in the Chinese materia medica, but only around 300 are commonly used. These herbs have been studied and refined over centuries to provide the best possible results for patients. We’ve been able to isolate various active ingredients within the herbal compounds but currently it is difficult to know how all the compounds work together for their intended therapeutic effect. Regardless, we do know that the formulas themselves are effective both as internal and external routes of administration. 

So, if you’re curious about exploring alternative approaches to healing, Chinese herbal medicine might be worth considering. It’s a time-tested tradition that continues to offer valuable insights into the art of healing. We advise and offer both external and internal herbal formulas and supplements to patients based on their health goals. Remember to consult with a qualified practitioner and share all the medications and supplements you’re taking to ensure the best possible outcome.