Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used for over 2,500 years to alleviate distressing symptoms and promote good health. The Chinese herbal pharmacopeia includes over 450 plant, mineral, and animal substances that have therapeutic health benefits. Chinese herbal medicine works by strategically combining various herbal substances together into what are called herbal formulas. These herbal formulas can be used individually or in combination with acupuncture or other TCM practices to address an individual client's symptoms, achieve optimal therapeutic benefit, and promote health and well being.
Traditionally, Chinese herbal medicine has been drunk as a tea made from cooking dried herbal substances over a stove for a duration of time to extract their healing properties. This method is still be used today. However, in modern times, there are additional forms of taking formulas for ease of use. Chinese herbal therapy can come in the form of ready made capsules or tablets, a tincture (liquid - usually herbs soaked in alcohol), or powdered granule tea. Method of herbal consumption can depend on what is most suitable for each individual to ensure consistency of use. In my office I mainly use powdered herbal formulas drunk as a tea when hot water is added or the powdered herbs are in capsule form.
Chinese Medical Nutrition
Good health come from a healthy diet. There is something to the saying, "You are what you eat." In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each food we eat has an energetic quality and therapeutic action to balance the body and promote health. Based on an individual's constitution, the season, and any current health issues, certain foods may need to be limited while others recommended to create a positive shift in health.
An individual session can be devoted to reviewing your current dietary practices and food intake to determine where changes can be made. The food we eat, as well as the habits of how we eat, and our attitudes around food have a significant impact on our health and well-being. Even simple changes can make a big difference.