While acupuncture is the most well-known in the U.S., a major component of Chinese Medicine is actually herbal medicine. Herbal formulas have been around for many centuries, and over this time, the Chinese have come to perfect these classical formulas to help their patients achieve maximum health.
With an herbal consult, we customize a formula based on your individual needs and constitution. We will do an intake and ask you questions about your immediate concerns as well as your overall health and lifestyle. From there, we prescribe you a formula, choosing from over 150 different formulas and 300 individual herbs. Administration of these formulas can vary and we will work with you to help you choose what form you would be best for you.
Your practitioner will give you choices as to how to consume your prescription. There are a few ways to do this: one is raw herbs (which are the strongest and the most time consuming to prepare); vacuum-packed (for easy consumption minimal prep); granules (which dissolve into a tea); or capsules and tablets.
Your practitioner will detail when and how to to take your herbs for maximum effect. Some formulas are meant to be taken short-term, whereas others can be taken long-term or as needed.
Some herbal formulas do come with side effects, but mostly these effects are a normal process of getting the body back into balance. But, if any of them are uncomfortable or worrisome, inform your practitioner so that they can make any needed adjustments.
Unfortunately, some Chinese herbs do have negative interactions with Western medications. That is why it is important to inform your practitioner of any meds or supplements that you are currently taking. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, also inform your practitioner, as there exist a few herbs that are contraindicated in this instance. In addition, if you suffer from food allergies, also inform your practitioner.