What do I need to know about Chinese herbal medicines?

WHO CAN PRESCRIBE HERBAL MEDICINES?

Herbs and Acupuncture are the two pillars of Oriental Medicine. They work together to bring synergistic healing to the body. Lisa is licensed to prescribe and compound herbal medicines in the State of Pennsylvania. Not all acupuncturists are licensed herbalists even though some may sell herbs. Ask your acupuncturist if they are licensed in Oriental Medicine.

ARE HERBS SAFE?

All herbs used in the clinic are GMP certified which means they pass standards set forth and approved by the International Global Manufacturing Process. The International Oriental Medicine community works hard to protect, promote and regulate the safe and effective use of herbal medicines. They are tested for and free of heavy metals, pesticides, drugs and other contaminants.Some of our herbs are organic and fair trade harvested. All herbs given are individually prescribed for your condition. This means you get what you need at each step of the way toward your total healing process.When properly prescribed herbs are safe and a very powerful form of medicine.

I’VE TRIED HERBS BEFORE AND THEY DIDN’T WORK… NOW WHAT?

The difference between western herbal medicine and oriental medicine is that with ORIENTAL MEDICINE single herbs are almost never used. Customized formulas are created for each patient when standard formulas are not appropriate. The benefit of coming to an herbalist over going to the health food store for herbs is customization by PATTERN IDENTIFICATION. There maybe ten different patterns for a headache (for example) and your herbalist will be able to give you the right formula for your pattern exclusively.

WHY DO I NEED to change my FORMULA?

For difficult cases several herb formulas or supplements may be used over time to cleanse, balance and nourish the qi, blood, circulation, metabolism and organ systems. Difficult disease patterns require more complex treatment strategies. Disease is like a multi -layered dysfunction of the body. Treating the most important layer one step at a time is the goal of Oriental Medicine. Several treatment strategies over time may be necessary to bring the body back into balance.

ARE THEY SAFE TO TAKE WITH MY MEDICATIONS?

Herbs are neither stimulants nor sedatives so most work very well with prescribed medicines because their functions are completely different. Most herbs work to cleanse balance and nourish the body functions, organs, qi and blood. Some herbs are not to be taken with medications. Your herbal practitioner should know the cautions and contraindications for each herb and formula. Are herbs expensive? Herbs are relatively inexpensive medications, especially when compared to supplements and standard medicines. Especially thrifty when you consider they are usually short term dosages. Herbs are focused on healing processes unlike vitamins. You do not need to take them forever, just until your symptoms are relieved.