What are Chinese Herbs?
Chinese Herbs have been used for thousands of years and are a key component to the larger healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine. The goal of Chinese Herbs is to identify imbalances, remove blockages, and allow Qi to flow freely, ultimately supporting a balance between the Yin and Yang. By addressing ailments in this way, rather than trying to treat the issue, TCM teaches your body how to heal itself.
Most Chinese herbs are plant-based, although some include mineral or animal products, so let your practitioner know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions. Rather than taking one herb at a time, we often choose from a variety of formulas made from mixtures of herbs that have been tried and tested over centuries of practice. They are typically taken in pill or powder form daily or occasionally multiple times a day.
How Do TCM Herbs Work?
There is a huge range of Chinese herbal offerings, all of which work differently to address a variety of ailments. A common practice to address the imbalance of an ailment is by utilizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine theory known as the “Five Elements.” The Five Elements are organized according to five categories of natural element: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Within these categories there are additional characteristics that are associated with each element including: the seasons, a direction, climate, an internal organ, taste, and color, among others. These five elements are supposed to have interconnected relationships, which a TCM practitioner is working to foster through the proper treatments, often including herbs that will help balance your current constitution.
Common Chinese Herbal Formulas & Their Benefits:
Here are our favorite four formulas at Nurture Acupuncture and their benefits.
Bao He Wan (Preserve Harmony Decoction): Aids digestion, settles bloating, clears heat, and removes phlegm.
Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer): Assists in managing stress, depression, irritability, and fatigue.
Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction): Regulates cycle, improves fertility, and invigorates the blood.
Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen): Immunity, cold, and pollen support.
What Should I Expect When I Start Taking Herbs?
Firstly, please only take Chinese herbs and formulas as directed by a licensed practitioner! Some herbs are extremely potent and their application can be complex. Please schedule an appointment prior to any usage. During your appointment we will take plenty of time to learn about your unique needs and to create a personalized treatment plan. We also believe in following a holistic approach, using a variety of modalities to get the most out of your experience. Here at Nurture, we practice acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and meditation during your treatment.
After your appointment, we will send you home with a care plan, often including nutritional suggestions and your Traditional Chinese Herb dosage and schedule. Please note that like all good things, herbs are not always an instant fix. They work best when used consistently and as directed by your practitioner. Tangible results are different for every formula: sometimes you will feel results immediately, and sometimes it will take weeks of regular usage for you to notice results. We will discuss the results you should expect from your unique treatment when we prescribe them to you.
We hope to see you soon!