Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbs are used to (1) enhance the clinical effectiveness of the acupuncture
treatment. Chinese Herbs can be used with out the modality of acupuncture.
(2)They can be used as a single herbal treatment ,or as a formula a
combination of herbs when combined there maybe as many as twenty or
more different Herbs in one formula. In almost all cases they are used as a
formula (many Herbs). Acupuncture and the other modalities used in Oriental
medicine are very valuable yet, they cannot always be applied as frequently
as needed. Patients cannot always arrange or afford daily or every other day
treatments necessary for best results. It is for this reason that we use various
herbal treatments. It helps support the treatment to sustain and complete
the healing process. In addition, many patients come with chronic and
degenerative conditions that require long term care with specific herbal
medicines. In these cases, the healing process can be continued on a daily
basis with the use of herbal formulas specifically designed to bring relief by
correcting the underlying problem. Usually a patient is seen every week to
modify the formula for the condition that is being treated
The Chinese herbs not only come from china but all there are roughly 500
Herbs in the Chinese materia medica . Roughly 20%of the Chinese materia
medica are from all over the world. Chinese are prescribed according to
Chinese medical theory and a TCM pattern diagnosis.
In My practice, I prescribe Chinese herbal medicine as a decoction. Which is
simply the herbs are cooked at a low boil, simmered for an hour or more and
then strained and drunk 3 times per day. However, there are also herbal
pills, tinctures, and 5 to 1 powdered extracts. For the quickest and best
results, .This method also allows the practitioner flexibility in writing a
prescription. They can put in just what is necessary in just the right amounts.
The formula can be changed even on a daily basis if necessary and
decoctions tend to be more potent then other means of administration. The
reasons above are why decoctions are my choice.