Chinese Herbal Medicine

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a healing modality that uses both standard and custom herbal prescriptions alone or as a complement to acupuncture to alleviate existing symptoms and encourage long-term healing. Chinese herbal formulas can be individually designed for each client, containing eight to fifteen herbs, allowing practitioners maximum flexibility to customize formulas to meet a patient’s exact and often changing needs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes both Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment.

Whereas western medicine (traditional as well as folk herbalism) commonly treats symptoms, Chinese herbal medicine, when practiced as part of TCM, treats a person’s individual pattern type, focusing on the root cause of the problem and healing the body as a whole while simultaneously alleviating symptoms.

What is Chinese herbal medicine used for?

Chinese herbal medicine is especially useful for helping the body heal itself and recuperate after illness, surgery, or trauma. Chinese herbal medicine treats all types of diseases and conditions including the common cold, intestinal flu, chronic diseases, allergies, gynecological disorders, infertility, chronic viral diseases, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative diseases due to aging. Chinese herbal medicine can also be used to support general health and wellness, as well as treating common pregnancy symptoms and preventing miscarriage.

How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine?

In acute cases, results may be seen almost immediately upon taking the herbs. In chronic conditions, results are seen within two to three weeks. If herbs are recommended for long-term use due to a chronic condition, there should be some immediate signs the herbs are working.

Are all the herbs plant-based?

The majority of herbs are from plants: flowers, leaves, twigs, stems, roots, rhizomes, tubers, and bark are all used. However, animal and mineral sources are also used. Please let us know if you are vegan or have food-based allergies.

Where do the herbs used at Isthmus Acupuncture come from?

Isthmus Acupuncture Center uses mostly herbs prepared by KPC Herbs and produced by Kaiser Pharmaceutical Co. at its facility in Taiwan. KPC Herbs has been in business for over 35 years and has a long record of safety and certification throughout the world. KPC Herbs tests every batch to ensure safety, potency, and consistency. All testing is verified by certified independent laboratories in the United States and Europe.

Golden Flower Herb Safety Information

How are Chinese herbs taken?

Most of the herbs we use at Isthmus Acupuncture Center come in powdered form. Some people choose to drink the herbs as a tea, mixing the powder with a little warm water. Others prefer to take the herbs as capsules. We encapsulate herbal powders on site, and offer both gelatin capsules and vegan capsules. IAC also offers whole raw herbs (not powdered), that are steeped in hot water and drunk as a decoction.

Commonly used standard “patent” formulas are available in “tea pill” form or tablet form. These forms are supplied by Mayway and Golden Flower Chinese Herbs and are considered top quality in the industry. Capsules, powders and bulk herbs are all well suited for long-term use, as formulas can be specifically customized and easily changed to meet clients’ changing needs.

How do the herbs taste?

Herbs taken as capsules have little to no particular taste. Each herbal formula will have a unique taste when taken as a powder or decoction. Formulas are often bitter because they are frequently made from roots and bark, where a plant’s medicinal properties are the strongest. When a formula is suitable for the patient, the taste should naturally become more agreeable after a few days. Some people crave the taste of their herbs, often indicating they have been given the correct formula and it is working.

Does Chinese herbal medicine have side effects?

Some people will experience mild discomfort during the initial stages of healing. Since the goal is to have the body heal itself and not mask the symptoms, mild aches and changes in digestive habits may occur. Detoxification due to diet changes and nutritional supplements may occur. Signs the body is detoxifying include mild nausea, acne, headaches, body aches, and fatigue. These symptoms should recede after a couple of days to a week.

For long term use, there are little to no side effects when the formula has been properly prepared. Most Chinese herbs have very low toxicity compared to common over-the-counter western drugs. When herbs are prescribed according to a person’s TCM pattern type, there should be no negative side effects, just beneficial healing results. If you experience any non-therapeutic side effects, tell your practitioner so the formula can be modified.

Can pregnant women take Chinese herbs?

When prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner, herbs are safe to take during pregnancy. Chinese herbs have historically been used to treat pregnant women with no harm to the fetus. Practitioners at Isthmus Acupuncture Center frequently use herbs to regulate women’s cycles, aid conception, and support pregnancies. Lactating mothers may also benefit from Chinese herbal medicine prescribed by a trained practitioner.

Can children take Chinese herbs?

Children may also take Chinese herbs, but at a reduced dosage prescribed by your TCM practitioner. There are also pre-made liquid formulas especially for children. IAC works with herbal companies to offer exactly what your child may need, and can special order pediatric formulas as needed.

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