Herbal prescriptions are the most popular mode of treatment in China and can be traced back to 1,000 BC. Thus, over the last 3,000 years an incredibly rich and powerful therapeutic modality has evolved.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine consists of 5,767 substances derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. The premise of Chinese herbal medicine is that these substances have energetic properties that can produce dramatic healing effects. Herbs are available in the form of herbal teas, liquid extracts, granular extracts, tablets, capsules, lotions, creams, salves, and poultices.
Chinese herbs are typically used together in formulas and rarely used as Individual herbs Herbal Formulas generally have between 5 and 25 herbs in them. Herbs are used together in specific combinations to create a unique medicine where the sum is stronger than it’s parts. A carefully balanced herbal prescription is specifically tailored for each person’s health condition and typical Herbal formula does three things.
Relieves or controls the conditions symptoms (a good TCM practitioner never uses herbs to cover up or suppress symptoms.)
Addresses the root cause of the condition, as diagnosed.
Protects and strengthens the organ(s) that the condition may effect next.
In comparison most western medications are designed to treat only the symptoms and have numerous side effects. While Chinese herbs treat both the root and the symptoms of a disease with little side effects. Once the root cause is successfully treated the symptoms do not easily return
While herbs can be used successfully to treat a variety of illness, self-diagnosing with over-the-counter herbs can be dangerous. Herbs should be taken in specifically measured doses and many herbs should not be ingested for prolonged periods of time. Just because a product is natural does not always mean it is safe. Our herbalists have had years of training and are nationally certified in Chinese Herbology. All of our patients formulas are constantly monitor and adjusted for increased benefit and safety.