Herbal Consultations
Before pharmaceuticals and even the use of Acupuncture needles, herbal remedies were used to heal and balance the human body. Chinese herbs have shown their effectiveness under the scrutiny of both empirical study and modern clinical trials. These herbs can be used to augment the treatment of a particular imbalance, working together or sometimes in place of Acupuncture and other medicines. Unlike most drugs, the herbs are put into complex formulas that are specific to an individual's condition, not just any one symptom. Additionally, the formulas are so well balanced that they hardly ever cause side effects.
Our herbal consultations are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics. This approach to herbal therapy is not the typical allopathic approach to herbs that you find in the health food store (i.e. take ginseng for energy), but a more specific way of balancing the body by tonifying deficiencies, reducing excesses, cooling heat conditions and warming cold conditions. You will find that the TCM diagnostic technique works to alleviate symptoms of most western disease by balancing the body energetically.
Your initial herbal consultation can take between 30 minutes to two hours depending on the type and severity of your problem. After filling out a questionnaire detailing your past and current medical history, the herbalist will review and discuss this information with you. I will ask questions about your health and lifestyle, then look at your tongue and feel your pulse. With this information, the herbalist will determine your imbalances based on the TCM Eight Principle Theory. With this, she will come up with herbal, dietary, lifestyle and exercise suggestions.
Do I have to cook it and will it taste bad?
In the past, patients had to purchase a large bag of raw herbs, cook them for a half hour every day, and drink bitter teas. Though that option is still available to you, convenient patent medicines have become readily available and are much less of a hassle. These take high quality ingredients and put them into small, round pills that are easy to take and taste much better - no brewing or simmering needed.
Herbal remedies are usually taken a few times a day and can be used for as little as one month, to as long as one year. Herbal consultations can be included in an Acupuncture visit with the only extra charge being the cost of the herbs themselves. They can also be done separately, and unlike Acupuncture, follow-ups are only needed every other week. Herbal medicines are usually immediately available following a consultation, however, some may take a few days to prepare due to the individual nature of every formula. We offer herbs from Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, as well as Young Living or Snow Lotus Essential Oils and Green Hope Farms Flower Essences.
Are herbs expensive?
Unlike prescription drugs, herbs are extremely cost effective. Herbal medicine that lasts about 30 days can range between $30 - $40. This is similar to the average co-pay of a prescription drug plan, with the added benefit that you won't be on them for the rest of your life.
I will discuss all of these options with you and work with you to find the best, most effective approach for your needs. Call today to schedule an appointment!