In China, the primary method of treating disease is not Acupuncture, but Herbs. Bulk dispensed, raw herbal decoctions represent the highest standard of professional medical care.
A Chinese medical formula, or herbal decoction, is almost always a combination of several raw or processed herbs. Unlike premade medicinals, these prescriptions are written and tailored specifically for each individual and their exact pattern discrimination. There are many advantages as not only the dosage, but the ingredients, their relative concentrations, and method of preparation can be adjusted. Most modern pharmaceuticals can only be varied by dosage.
In addition to raw herbal decoctions, there are many Chinese pre-made medicinals called Patent Formulas. These medicines are often prescribed for either mild, acute cases or for long-term treatment of a chronic condition. In cases of the former, they are often used for colds, minor pain, or digestive irregularity. In cases of the latter, they are often prescribed alongside raw decoctions as a convenience. While not quite as potent nor as individually tailored, the patent formulas. do allow patients to maintain their compliance & progress.
At Kingoff Acupuncture, we are committed to providing a modern Herbal Pharmacy. Along with the commitment to provide these formulas, we are doubly committed to using the proper, proven methods of Chinese pattern discrimination as the basis of administration.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Herbs:
Customized to fit your body and your condition, herbal formulas take into account more than just your primary symptoms. At Kingoff Acupuncture, we have concentrated tinctures (teas), concentrated capsules, medicated plasters, linaments, salves, and "drinking" teas.
Cold & Flu: The painful coughing, clogged sinus, body-aches, fevers, chills, and lethargy can be greatly reduced and even resolved with the proper formula.
Depression: Depression, including Bi-Polar Disorder, Seasonal Effective Disorders, and many other varieties. Herbs are used in conjunction with the patient’s prescription medications, not in place of them.
Diabetes: Type I & Type II Diabetes and its associated symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and high urinary frequency can be treated.
Fatigue: Whether chronic or result of recent illness. Along with Nutritional consultations and acupuncture, you can find a way to improve your energy level. We help you find a sensible, stable regime of diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits. Each treatment is tailored to fit the practical realities of your work and home life.
Gynecology: PMS, Endometrioses, Dysmenorrhea, & Infertility. If you suffer from pain, bloating, mood change, or other forms of discomfort, Chinese medicine can help. Along with nutritional consultations and acupuncture, we give you practical information on how you can reduce your discomfort through simple lifestyle changes.
Dermatology: Acne, pimples, and minor rashes.
Hemorrhoids: Pain, inflammation, & frequency of attacks can be greatly reduced.
Arthritis: Pain, inflammation, and frequency of attacks can be greatly reduced. Even if you are currently on medication for pain or inflammation, herbs and acupuncture often provide relief that pain-killers and steroids don't.
Asthma: Intensity & frequency of attacks can be greatly reduced and respiration as a whole can be improved. Enjoy clearer, deeper, and easier breathing.
Pain: Almost any form of pain can be treated. The degree and results do vary with the condition, but many pains that cannot be treated any other way respond to herbs.
Insomnia: Whether acute or chronic, there are herbal formulas that treat your condition. Without making you drowsy, they assist your body in the process of going into a restful sleep.
Frequently Asked Herb Questions:
What is the difference between Chinese and Western Herbalism?
Western Herbalism has been a folk-healing system as opposed to a professional medical system like Traditional Chinese Medicine. Western Herbalism has been primarily based on the concept of an herb specific healing virtue toward a specific disease, that a particular plant is designed by nature to combat a specific disease. Usually, only one, perhaps two herbs are used symptomatically. TCM herbal formulas are prescribed according to how the disease presents itself within a particular individual.
In TCM, herbal formulas consist of several ingredients. The formulas are not chosen on the basis of their ability to fight a specific disease, but upon the effects within the context of a specific individual. Each of the herbs is selected by how it interacts with the other ingredients and what it contributes to the "team". Over the past 2500 years, this process has been carefully studied within the context of an integrated pathology system. Much progress, refinement, and innovation have made it one of the most effective "alternative" treatments available.
What herb is good for prevention of colds (or other particular conditions)?
In TCM, there is no single thing that is good for prevent all outbreaks of a particular disease in all people. As mentioned above, the herbs are chosen by their effects, not a specific healing virtue. Each person is different and so are their needs. An individualized formula can only be made after a qualified TCM herbalist has made a thorough assessment of the patient.
How are the Herbs taken?
Raw herbs are most frequently and most effectively taken by being boiled and drank as a decoction or tea. In the case of pre-made (patent) medicines, they are most often in the form of pills. Pills are more convenient to take and are often the only practical manner to take herbs while at work.
I use concentrated capsules and tinctures (liquid concentrates) in my practice. These not only save the patient the trouble, smell, and taste of herbal decoctions, they are often less expensive and more portable.
How long do I have to take them?
That always depends on the person and the condition(s) being treated. While this is a bit of an oversimplification, a condition is either acute or chronic. Typically, acute conditions are resolved in under a week. With chronic conditions, the process is almost certainly longer. Over the course of treatment, the formula may be modified or completely changed to match the evolving circumstances of your condition.
Why do they smell & taste so strong?
Unfortunately, some of the best things for you also taste and smell the worst. Many herbs and most prescription medications are very bitter. Often, the active ingredients are the worst tasting part. In some cases, the formulas actually taste okay, even good. Usually, the patient becomes accustomed to the decoction and in some cases, may actually crave it.