Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be prescribed in addition to acupuncture as part of treatment.
Chinese herbs are most often used in combinations of multiple ingredients, unlike Western herbs which are more traditionally used singly. Many of these formulas have been used for literally hundreds of years, with many classical formulas still in use today dating as far back as 220AD.
When prescribing Chinese Herbs The Dharma of Healing uses patent medicines with herbal formulas in pill or tablet form as these are most practical and convenient to consume.
My Training as an Herbalist
Extensive classroom and clinical training, passing a national board exam, and continuing education in Chinese herbology are all required to practice acupuncture in the State of Texas. Licensed acupuncturists are the only health profession in Texas required to have formal training in herbology as a core requirement for licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs can address unhealthy
body patterns that manifest in a variety of symptoms and
complaints. Chinese herbal therapy aims to help you regain
balance in your body and to strengthen your
body’s resistance to disease. Chinese herbs may be used to:
- Help with cold & flu symptoms
- Increase your energy
- Improve your breathing
- Improve digeston
- Improve your sleep
- Decrease pain
- Improve menopausal symptoms
- Help regulate menstrual cycles if infertility is an issue
Chinese herbal therapy can also be a valuable additional
therapy following cancer treatment to aid the body’s recovery from the after-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Chinese herbs are useful in rehabilitation for other chronic diseases too.
We may recommend Chinese herbal therapy when: - You have multiple symptoms or they are hard to pinpoint
- You’ve exhausted traditional medical options and nothing
seems to help - You need therapy to counteract side effects of
prescribed medication - You are interested in preventive treatment
We may also recommend Chinese Herbs when:
- You have multiple symptoms or they are hard to pinpoint
- You’ve exhausted traditional medical options and nothing
seems to help - You need therapy to counteract side effects of
prescribed medication - You are interested in preventive treatment
Yes, Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years in China with few negative health effects. While strong medicine, Chinese herbs are slower acting than drug therapy. Their comparatively gentler action reduces the potential for the side effects many drugs cause.
Whenever possible, we purchase organic bulk herbs from trusted suppliers. 100% of our herbal powders are from internationally certified “GMP” (Good Manufacturing Practices) factories who extensively test the raw herbs and finished products for quality and purity.
In the majority of cases, it is safe to combine western drugs with Chinese herbs. However, there are exceptions to this rule particularly in the case of drugs with narrow therapeutic margins, such as Cumadin. These drugs have a small therapeutic range that can easily be affected by changes in body chemistry. In this case, the introduction of Chinese herbs will affect the dosing of the drug.
No. Chinese herbal formulas are designed specifically for your overall condition, not specific symptoms. Although you may know someone with similar symptoms, the herbal formula that is right for you may not be right for them.