Chinese Herbal Medicine
What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine uses herbs to improve health. Unlike Western medicine, traditional Chinese herbalists won’t just treat symptoms or diseases. We treat the entire human beings, including their patterns of symptoms. We take in the whole picture! A person’s head-to-toe collection of signs and symptoms develops ‘pattern differentiation.’ In Chinese medicine, we relate the human body to nature, and like how the earth has many distinct habitats (dry, hot, damp, cold, etc.), so do each one of us. Herbalists ultimately try to balance the body to create an environment that’s not hospitable to your health issues. The herbs that accomplish this are highly individualized.
Chinese herbal medicine has thousands of years of data to back it up. Throughout history, Chinese emperors worked to preserve and multiply the knowledge of the previous ages. That means today; we have almost 2,000 years of clearly written records about how herbs and herb combinations work in different people. We often still prescribe these effective classic formulas in addition to creating custom formulas.
Chinese herbal therapy can come in the form of:
Patents - most commonly prescribed, formulas are pressed into a pill or tablet form. Very practical to take regularly.
Granules - mixed into hot water to make an instant tea.
Decoction - bulk herbs are prescribed in formulas and boiled in water to produce herbal decoction for either internal or topical use. Often strongest in potency, but more difficult for patients to take longer term.
Also available are liquid extracts like tinctures and topical powders!
What do the herbal formulas treat?
Some (but not limited to) conditions herbal formulas treat: allergies, menopause, autoimmune disorders, cancer treatment side effects, digestion (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, heartburn, IBS, etc.), immune system regulation, infertility, menstrual irregularities and pain, endometriosis, persistent fatigue.
What sort of training do Chinese herbalists have?
All traditional Chinese medicine herbalists have had extensive classroom time and clinical hours treating patients with herbs. We must also pass an herbal national board exam with NCCAOM to be licensed in Texas (not all states require this). Licensed acupuncturists are the only health profession in Texas requiring formal herbology training.
As part of our 4+ year clinical master’s education, we are trained in biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and herb-drug interactions. We review your medication list to note any contraindications and possible side effects. We also continually monitor you on your formulas because as your condition and symptoms change, we will adjust your formula accordingly.