Chinese Herbal Medicine
While Western medicine dominates healthcare in the United States and other Western nations, Chinese herbal medicine first made its mark in America during the mid-19th century when Chinese immigrants introduced their time-honored remedies.
For centuries, Chinese herbs have been used to treat a wide range of ailments and promote overall well-being. This ancient practice focuses on restoring balance in the body, enhancing both physical health and emotional harmony. Central to Chinese herbal medicine is the concept of qi—the bioelectric energy that flows throughout the body. Practitioners aim to support the smooth flow of qi to prevent illness and promote healing.
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is the world’s oldest continuously practiced medical system, with a written history dating back over 2,500 years. Its roots, however, go much deeper, with practices likely predating written records. Chinese medicine is a comprehensive system that includes thorough intake, diagnosis, and treatment principles and strategies, often using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities to restore health. This holistic approach is designed not only to address symptoms, but to treat the root cause of disease by balancing the entire body, mind, and spirit.
Why Are Chinese Herbs Part of My Treatment?
Chinese herbs work synergistically with acupuncture to accelerate the healing process. Used safely for over 2,500 years, these herbal formulas are prescribed based on an individual’s unique diagnosis and health needs. At Balance Point Health, we ensure that our herbal medicine comes from trusted companies offering the highest quality ingredients. All products are rigorously tested and are FDA and GMP-compliant. Like acupuncture, herbal medicine works best when taken consistently and in the recommended doses.
What Are Chinese Herbs, and How Are They Prescribed?
Chinese herbs come in various forms including raw herbs, granulated herbs and ready-made capsules or tablets. Your practitioner will tailor your herbal prescription based on your specific health needs. By assessing your symptoms and underlying health patterns, we create a customized herbal formula that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term wellness goals.
What's in an Herbal Prescription, and How is it Consumed?
Chinese herbal prescriptions may include natural substances such as bark, flowers, roots, leaves, twigs and stems. In some cases, ingredients from the animal and mineral kingdoms are also used. These herbs are typically brewed into a decoction (tea) by the patient. This involves boiling the herbs for 45-60 minutes, straining the liquid, and consuming it several times a day.
For patients who prefer a more convenient option, powdered extracts and capsules are also available. The flexibility of custom herbal formulas allows practitioners to adjust the treatment as your condition evolves, ensuring that your healing journey remains dynamic and personalized.
Why Take Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is effective for treating a wide variety of conditions. Custom herbal formulas can address acute health issues such as colds, flu, musculoskeletal pain, and injuries, as well as chronic conditions like allergies, gynecological disorders, viral infections, degenerative diseases, and post-surgical recovery.
Because each herbal prescription is crafted specifically for the patient, Chinese herbs can provide powerful support for both immediate symptoms and underlying health imbalances.