Herbal Therapy
Chinese medicine uses balanced formulas of several different herbs to treat various conditions. Some of these formulas have been used effectively for more than 2000 years. The herbal formula chosen is specifically suited for the client’s presenting condition.
Chinese medicine formulas are designed to correct specific patterns of imbalance. There are as many formulas as there are types of imbalance, literally hundreds of formulas and modifications. Therefore, it’s important to be properly diagnosed to know what formula is appropriate for your specific needs.
While acupuncture is more of a regulatory therapy, herbology can be directional and target specific conditions. If a condition is due to weakness, herbs are the preferred therapy because they are able to provide additional energy to help the body rebuild. Herbs are also very effective for conditions of excess and accumulation, for example "dampness". Dampness in the body is much like it is in the weather – heavy, lingering, and slow moving. Dampness takes on many forms depending on the organ system in which it is found. Examples of dampness can be fluid retention, weight gain, or cholesterol build-up in the arteries.
There are many ways to take Chinese herbal formulas. The most common is as a decoction or “tang” where herbs are boiled and the remaining water drank two or three times a day for several days. An easier form of this is the decoction is made into powered granules that can be dissolved in hot water. Formulas can also be pressed into pills or even used topically in teas, plasters, liniments and many other forms.
Close supervision is necessary when any type of medication is ingested, and this includes Chinese herbal formulas. A person receiving Chinese herbs should be under the care of a competent licensed practitioner who can differentiate healing symptoms from negative side effects. Receiving herbs from unlicensed or untrained personnel, such as in health food stores, is not good practice.
Side effects are possible with herbal formulas. The most common problem is that persons may have some digestive difficulties immediately upon beginning herbal intake that can last for a few days. This can include diarrhea and/or constipation. This is usually due to the body beginning to rebalance itself, some healing reactions or detoxifying. If this lasts more than a few days or is severe, there are several measures that can be taken to rectify the problem, including supplementing with acupuncture or bodywork. Side effects can generally be controlled through varying the time of ingestion or through altering the dosage. Sometimes we need to change the formulas or give a digestive formula in conjunction.
Chinese medicine formulas are designed to correct specific patterns of imbalance. There are as many formulas as there are types of imbalance, literally hundreds of formulas and modifications. Therefore, it’s important to be properly diagnosed to know what formula is appropriate for your specific needs.
While acupuncture is more of a regulatory therapy, herbology can be directional and target specific conditions. If a condition is due to weakness, herbs are the preferred therapy because they are able to provide additional energy to help the body rebuild. Herbs are also very effective for conditions of excess and accumulation, for example "dampness". Dampness in the body is much like it is in the weather – heavy, lingering, and slow moving. Dampness takes on many forms depending on the organ system in which it is found. Examples of dampness can be fluid retention, weight gain, or cholesterol build-up in the arteries.
There are many ways to take Chinese herbal formulas. The most common is as a decoction or “tang” where herbs are boiled and the remaining water drank two or three times a day for several days. An easier form of this is the decoction is made into powered granules that can be dissolved in hot water. Formulas can also be pressed into pills or even used topically in teas, plasters, liniments and many other forms.
Close supervision is necessary when any type of medication is ingested, and this includes Chinese herbal formulas. A person receiving Chinese herbs should be under the care of a competent licensed practitioner who can differentiate healing symptoms from negative side effects. Receiving herbs from unlicensed or untrained personnel, such as in health food stores, is not good practice.
Side effects are possible with herbal formulas. The most common problem is that persons may have some digestive difficulties immediately upon beginning herbal intake that can last for a few days. This can include diarrhea and/or constipation. This is usually due to the body beginning to rebalance itself, some healing reactions or detoxifying. If this lasts more than a few days or is severe, there are several measures that can be taken to rectify the problem, including supplementing with acupuncture or bodywork. Side effects can generally be controlled through varying the time of ingestion or through altering the dosage. Sometimes we need to change the formulas or give a digestive formula in conjunction.