Custom Chinese herbal prescriptions formulated to match your constitution and treat your specific symptoms are available at RareBird Acupuncture. The origins of Chinese herbal medicine in China can be traced back at least 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world.
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are complementary therapeutic modalities that are often used together in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. Over the past 5,000 years, Chinese herbology has evolved into an art form of its own, offering a rich heritage and history in healthcare and healing. The quality and continuum of care live on today in the trusted doctors who practice this highly refined ancient art.
Customized formulas have the capacity to treat both chronic and acute conditions and are prescribed for various reasons. Some examples include:
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Immune deficiency
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Digestive issues
- Women’s health
- Headaches and migraines
- Skin conditions
- Sciatica and back pain
- Support through changes in life, both emotionally and physically
- Support while recovering from an illness
- Prevention of getting an illness
- Before and after surgery
- Acute and accident injuries
- Cold and flu
- Anti-aging
- Depression
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Stress
- Routine care
- General wellness and wellbeing
The Possibilities Are Many
Customized herbal formulas offer a root-level transformation rather than a symptomatic cover, treating the actual cause of illness rather than suppressing the symptoms. Chinese medicine also provides an added layer of patient safety because it carries fewer or no side effects and, in some cases, provides a more affordable treatment option.
How Does It Work?
Custom herbal formulas are put together by a practitioner who has been trained and has studied herbal theory. Many acupuncturists do not create or prescribe formulas for the individual; instead, they may simply use general, patent pill, classic formulas provided by many companies in the U.S. and China. Not all acupuncturists work with Chinese herbs. In fact, some practitioners don’t work with herbs at all, for not all schools teach Chinese herbology in their programs.
There are roughly 340 principal herbal formulas in the Materia Medica, in addition to related secondary formulas in over 460 variations. A practitioner who makes use of herbs is familiar with most of the 1,100 herbs in Chinese pharmacopeia and knows how to use them to modify and build formulas to match a patient’s specific constitution. Individual herbs are combined in order to enhance their actions and effects on the body; when combined, a unique, synergistic formula is created.
In addition to the therapeutic properties of the herbs, they also have pharmacological functions, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antiamebic, antiparasitic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, antihypertensive, cardiovascular agent, respiratory agent, hemostatic, antibiotic, antitussive, antineoplastic, immunologic, adaptogenic, endocrinological, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and more, as well as vitamins and minerals.
Herbs of the same species will vary in their active ingredients based on the location in which they are grown, the time of harvest, and the processing techniques used. I use Evergreen Herbs in my customized herbal formulas. Evergreen’s herbs are pharmaceutical-grade extracts manufactured in Taiwan. The potency, purity, and therapeutic efficacy of their concentrated herbs are superior, and they are harvested ethically and tested to ensure the best quality.
These herbal extracts have the highest concentration of active ingredients, allowing patients to take a substantially lower quantity while achieving the same dosage and therapeutic effect.
Steps to Wellness
There are three unique steps to wellness. However, the rate at which you move through these stages depends on your unique situation.
Step 1: Symptomatic Care
During this stage, your doctor is concerned with alleviating the symptoms that caused you to seek his or her care. Once your symptoms are relieved, you will move on to Step 2, Corrective Care.
If this is difficult to understand, think of replenishing an overgrown garden. The first step in cultivating the space is to cut back excess growth and weeds. Your symptoms are very much like the weeds.
Step 2: Corrective Care
In order to restore your health, your physician must also determine the underlying cause of your illness rather than simply addressing the symptoms. This involves a second formula uniquely positioned and carefully prescribed to address the root of your concerns.
Continuing the garden analogy, we now must take complete care to remove the weeds from the soil and prepare the soil for new seeds to plant. The roots are extracted using the appropriate tools, leaving healthy plants and rich earth behind. Step 2 heals what is creating and causing your pain and discomfort, setting the stage for healthy living.
Step 3: Prophylactic Care
The final phase of your care includes maintenance therapy. Your doctor will prescribe tonics and other formulas to keep your immune system strong and healthy so it will protect the body as it should. The final phase of treatment is ongoing.
In our analogy, this means the soil of our reclaimed garden is fertilized and treated to prevent the return of weeds while building a healthy foundation to support the growth of beautiful plants and flowers. What this means for you is that your overall health is protected by Chinese herbs, just as the garden is protected and allowed to thrive.
*Steps to Wellness by Evergreen Herbs
Herbal formula consultations are available for new patients as well as established patients. Patent (pill) formulas are available, as well as customized mixed granular formulas. If you are interested in incorporating Chinese herbs to support your healing, ask me about it when you come in for an appointment. If you can’t come in for an appointment or wish to do only herbs, telemedicine is also available for this service.
- Customized herbal prescriptions require tongue diagnosis. New patients will be required to fill out medical intake forms.
- If you do not have access to video chat, consultations can be done by phone. However, I will require images of your tongue.
- Established patients who just want to refill a current prescription with no changes do not need to make a consultation appointment. Contact me to order a refill.
Use the links below to book your appointment, or contact me directly to schedule.
