HERBAL MEDICINE
Using Nature's Healing Compounds to Boost Your Health
Chinese herbal medicine is a complete medical system capable of treating a wide range of diseases. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of medicine in the world. Similar to acupuncture, herbal therapy aims to treat the root of the condition and not just the symptoms. They are like supplements that boost the immune system, nourish deficiencies, regulate hormones and reduce pain conditions.
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Also similar to acupuncture, a full history and evaluation is done in order to prescribe an herbal combination specific to your unique symptoms and imbalances. There are 350 herbs in the Chinese Herbal Materia Medica that consist of all natural elements such as roots, leaves, flowers, animal and mineral material. We respect your dietary guidelines (such as gluten free or vegan diets) and will never prescribe anything outside those parameters without your permission first.
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Herbal medicine is a great addition to your acupuncture treatments, helping to nourish and harmonize outside the treatment room, but can also be used as a stand alone therapy.
FAQ
Are They Safe?
Chinese herbal therapy is considered safe and effective because of the art of combining herb to form a carefully balanced prescription tailored to you. They are regulated by the FDA and we use high quality, regulated companies with manufacturing facilities in the US.
Do They Taste Bad?
Herbal formulas that come in dropper or tea form, can have an unpleasant taste, but they taken in one gulp so it is a quick unpleasant taste. Most formulas come in pill form though, and those will not have a bad taste.
How Often Do I Have to Take Them?
We want the herbs to continuously be circulating in your system, so we will recommend they be taken 2 to 3 times a day.
How Do You Prescribe Them?
After a detailed health history and evaluation (same one used for acupuncture), I can determine where your imbalances are coming from and which herbs help to resolve them. Even though there could 5 different herbs that are for treating hot flashes, only a few of those will work for the root of your condition. This is why some supplements, such as St. John's Wart, can work for some people but not others. If they are not available in my office, I will order them and call you when they are ready for pick up.
Will They Mess with My Current Meds?
Herbs and pharmaceuticals are generally safe to take together, but I will always cross reference your list of medications with the herbs to make sure there aren't any interactions. I will never tell you to stop taking a medication and believe the two forms can work together beautifully.
Will I Have to Take a Bunch of Pills?
Herbs are a medicinal food and require a higher dosage than pharmaceuticals or other supplements.
Do I Have To Take Them Forever?
Herbal medicine aims to treat the root of the issue, so once your symptoms have been resolved, you can safely discontinue use without ill effects. For this same reason, they are slower acting and may take longer than traditional pharmaceuticals to resolve symptoms.
What About the Use of Endangered Species?
Chinese herbal medicine has had a bad reputation for being the cause of many species being declared endangered but our US herbal companies will NEVER use products from these animals. There are always plant and mineral substitutions for animal products.
Your Initial Consultation is Always Free of Charge. Come in to Talk About Your Specific Case and Whether Acupuncture is a Good Fit for Your Goals.
Or, give me a call or text at 954-652-6618 and I will be happy to answer any questions.
STEPS THROUGH THE TREATMENT PROCESS
This is the treatment process if you decide to just go the herbal medicine route.
01
Initial Consultation
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Half-hour, free of charge session where we go over your case and goals, the treatment process and answer any questions you may have. This is to make certain treatment meets your expectations and that there is a high probability of success for you. We can also discuss which treatments are best for your condition.
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02
Detailed Intake & Treatment Plan
At the end of the consultation we will decide if we move forward and schedule your full intake appointment (about 1 hour). This is when we do a detailed assessment of your symptom pattern, medical history and a short physical exam to determine the root cause, which allows me to create a specific herbal prescription for you. After this assessment, I will discuss with you my herbal prescription and when you can pick it up.
03
Active Treatment & Symptom Reduction
I will prescribe a 10 to 15 day prescription for you to begin with. About a week in, we will schedule a phone follow up to check in how you are doing on the formula and if there are changes in your symptoms. If we are on the right track, I will continue with a longer prescription and schedule an in person follow-up about a month away. If the formula needs to be changed, I will discuss that with you and will start step 3 ove, reassessing a week later.
04
Stabilizing Symptoms & Maintenance
Once we see that your symptoms are resolving, we may lower the dosage and have you continue with the formula for a few weeks or month longer to assure the body has healed completely. We may decide to change a prescription throughout any of the process, but once we see the symptoms have cleared, you can stop taking the herbs safely. But am always a call away for any cold, stomach bugs or general immune support in the future.
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Taking Care of Your Friends & Family
Many of my patients are referred to me by past patients who have felt much better after feeling the true healing of Chinese Medicine and who want their loved ones to also benefit from my work. I look forward to helping your friends, family members and coworkers on their journey to a pain-free, more joyful, prosperful life.
