Herbal Remedies
Chinese herbs are an important complement to acupuncture treatments. In some cases, herbs can be the central healing modality. Over the past 3,000-5,000 years, Chinese herbology has evolved into an art form of its own. Ancient herbal information was gathered, compiled, formulated, tested and handed down from generation to generation. Today, practitioners of Chinese medicine continue to prescribe herbal formulas because they are a powerful therapeutic method.
Chinese herbs are formulated as a poly-pharmacy meaning that individual herbs are combined in different quantities for different purposes. Herbal combinations - or formulas - can increase the benefits of a particular type of herb and minimize any harmful side effects.
Herbal formulas come in a variety of forms. The forms I most commonly use are capsules, tablets, tinctures and extracts. I find that patients are more compliant when the herbal formulas offered are convenient to take throughout their day.
Chinese herbal formulas can be a powerful and effective way to address symptoms and support the total person. They also help extend the effectiveness of a given treatment.