What is Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs have been used world wide for over 4,000 years. They are derived from plants, animals, and minerals. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks carefully at the energetic nature and functions of herbs to balance these qualities with an individual’s body constitution while treating a disorder.  Western herbs are often used singly and symptomatically, in contrast, Chinese herbs are most effective in combinations in order to address the complexities of any condition. The herbalist will take time to diagnose specifically, looking at contrast of temperature, qi, blood, and fluid movement, and specific organ systems that disharmony is rooted in. Just as acupuncture is not one size fits all, 2 people who come in for a headache, will not get the same herbal prescription. The herbalist will prescribe a formula which you will take for a short while. The practitioner will check in with you after a few days to see how things are going. The goal is for the herbs to aid your body in healing without any side effects and only until the disharmony being addressed is resolved.

Jodi Kapla Mason is our Chinese herbalist. She can see you for just an herbal consult or include an herbal prescription as part of your Acupuncture treatment.