In addition to Acupuncture, one of the modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine is Herbal Medicine. Herbs are a nice complement to your acupuncture treatments, and by utilizing both, you can speed your healing process. Here are a few common questions and answers about Chinese herbs:

What are Chinese Herbs, and how are they different from other Herbs?
Chinese herbs are not just from China. In fact, many grow right here in the Northwest. You may even have some in your yard and not know it! Many commonly used Western herbs, like cinnamon bark, fennel or dandelion root, for example, are used in Chinese herbology. The difference lies in the way they are prescribed and used. A Chinese herb is a substance (many include foods, minerals, shells, besides plants) that is prescribed based on its temperature, taste, where it acts in the body, and its principle action according to Chinese medical diagnosis. The herbs can also be looked at from a scientific perspective, such as whether its qualities are antibiotic, immune enhancing, laxative, analgesic, etc.

Chinese herbs are rarely taken individually. Formulas are constructed with anywhere from 2 to 20 different herbs, each having its own function. The herbs work synergistically to increase effectiveness. When prescribing herbs in granular/powder or whole raw form, the practitioner can customize the formula for each individual. For example, a formula might be prescribed for a your main complaint of shoulder pain, but let's say you are also having some insomnia and stress. In this case, the base formula would address the shoulder pain, but the formula can be modified to address the other complaints as well.

How are Chinese Herbs taken?
Chinese herbal formulas can be taken in several different forms. Pills, liquid tinctures (an herbal extract in an alcohol base), granular powder form, and whole raw herb teas that you boil down to a decoction. Whole herbs are the strongest and most effective. However, pills, tinctures and granular formulas are convenient and easy to take.

Are Chinese Herbs safe?
When prescribed by a licensed practitioner, Chinese herbs are safe. Herbs are powerful medicine and therefore do have side effects when used improperly, which is why you should not self-prescribe even though many herbs are sold over the counter. In the state of Washington, licensed acupuncturists are not required to have extra herbal training in order to dispense herbs. Only a small percentage of acupuncturists in the state of Washington are educated extensively in Chinese herbal medicine. Maureen was trained in both acupuncture and herbal medicine and has a Masters in ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’ which includes both modalities. So when consulting a practitioner, ask if they have specific training in both.

The herbal companies I purchase from are reputable companies that do extensive testing for heavy metals, pesticides and other toxins for safety and quality.

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