Chinese Herbal Medicine

  • Chinese herbal medicine uses herbs to improve overall health by treating the whole person, not just symptoms or diseases. Traditional Chinese herbalists assess a person’s entire collection of signs and symptoms, known as 'pattern differentiation,' and relate the human body to nature's various habitats (dry, hot, damp, cold, etc.). The goal is to balance the body and create an environment that isn’t hospitable to health issues, with herbs selected specifically for each individual.

  • Chinese herbal medicine is backed by thousands of years of data, with nearly 2,000 years of well-documented records from Chinese emperors who preserved and expanded this knowledge. These ancient records provide detailed insights into how herbs and herbal combinations work in different people. Today, we continue to use these time-tested, effective classic formulas alongside custom prescriptions to address individual needs.

  • Traditional Chinese medicine herbalists undergo extensive classroom training and clinical hours before treating patients with herbs. In Texas, we must pass a national herbal board exam (NCCAOM) to be licensed, and licensed acupuncturists are the only health professionals in the state required to have formal herbology training. Our 4+ year clinical master’s education includes biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and herb-drug interactions. We carefully review your medication list to avoid contraindications and monitor your formulas, adjusting them as your condition and symptoms change.

  • Herbal formulas can treat a variety of conditions, including allergies, menopause, autoimmune disorders, cancer treatment side effects, digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, IBS), immune system regulation, infertility, menstrual irregularities and pain, endometriosis, and persistent fatigue.

  • Herbal formulas come in various forms: patents, which are pills or tablets and easy to take regularly; granules, which are mixed with hot water to make instant tea; and decoctions, where bulk herbs are boiled to create a potent herbal liquid for internal or topical use, though they can be harder to take long-term. Liquid extracts like tinctures and topical powders are also available.