I first began taking Chinese herbal formulas during college while working with my menstrual cycle.
I was given a formula by my acupuncturist and she explained to me how it would help my whole body and not just my cycle. I was amazed when I took the formula because it was true!
I noticed that it not only made a difference with my cycle that it helped many other complaints I had at the time and made me feel a sense of overall wellness I had rarely experienced before. This was my first introduction to medicine that treated the whole body, and a system of medicine that took into account that each part is delicately related to the whole.
Chinese medicine is based on over 5,000 years of experience, research and study. By contrast, much of our modern medicine stems from major breakthroughs which began in the 19th century.
The ancient Chinese formulas that have been treating disease for thousands of years for all different types of illness.
Chinese herbals are delicately constructed with knowledge of actions and interactions of each herb on one another. This surpasses even most western herbal practices. I have a true love for western herbalism and all the wonderful herbs that grow around us. However, I am in awe of the power of Chinese formulation and what that can do for the body.
To begin to understand Chinese herbs it is important to recognize how a practitioner diagnoses and chooses the correct Chinese herbal formula for their patients.
In Chinese medicine, pulse and tongue diagnosis provides information about the body and the function of the organs. Using these methods of diagnosis the doctor can then relate them back to herbs that have actions to help resolve the imbalances found in the pulse and tongue in combination with listening to patients symptoms and history.
Five people may walk in with the same symptoms of a headache and each leave with a different formula because these prescriptions are expertly matched to each individual constitution and current pathology.
Not all acupuncturists in the U.S. are Chinese herbalists. This is an important distinction to understand when seeking to understand Chinese herbal formulas.
A licensed acupuncturist (LAc) earns a Masters of Acupuncture (M.Ac.). Their education is focused primarily on the practice of acupuncture, but they typically receive training in patent formulas, pre formulated Chinese herbals.
An advanced degree that one can earn is a Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) and even a Doctor of Science in Oriental Medicine (DSOM). The MSOM and DSOM have additional training and many hours spent understanding and learning about Chinese formulation of herbs. These degrees give you the knowledge to write custom formulas.
It is important to have good knowledge of Chinese herbal medicine when prescribing formulas or even single herbs. Some herbs are very toxic in their natural form but when skillfully placed inside a formula with other specific herbs the toxicity is reduced and a safe formula is the result. It is important that these formulas be taken correctly.
Some Chinese herbs can interact with medications and it is important to seek advice from your practitioner before taking herbs.
Another important consideration with Chinese herbal formula is how and where the herbs are sourced. It’s basically the same idea as with our food. Think organic and locally sourced foods versus eating food which is full of pesticides and genetically modified. Some Chinese herbs are grown under toxic conditions while other companies pay close attention to quality and purity of their products.
Chinese herbal medicine is a large field of study. There are close to 2,000 Chinese herbs and formulations of these herbs can be used to treat many different diseases, including but not limited to colds, diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, female ailments, lyme disease, auto immune disorders, and skin diseases just to name a few.
These formulas can be made into a tea from bulk herbal formulas or even taken as a tea made from granular form of herbs. They are also available in liquid tinctures, tea pills and capsules.
See a Chinese herbalist near you or make an appointment online at Vitality Integrative Care.
Try a formula and see for yourself the true healing power of Chinese formulations!