FAQ

What is Chinese Herbal Therapy?

Chinese medicine is a combination of several modalities-acupuncture, tui na (a style of massage), and herbal medicine. Originally each modality was separate, each requiring years of study under a mentor. A Chinese Herbal Therapy practitioner will use diet and lifestyle changes in addition to an herbal formula (which may also include non-plant based materials) and may teach you some basic acupressure techniques or refer you to an acupuncturist for additional help, depending on your condition.

How is Chinese Herbal Therapy different from western herbalism?

Western herbalism uses plants to treat individual illness, just as western medicine uses drugs. While using plants is safer (and often more effective) than chemicals, Chinese herbal therapy is based on the premise that illness indicates an imbalance in the body. Rather than treating specific illnesses, the Chinese therapy strives to bring your body back into balance. When the herbal therapy chosen is correct for you, your body will return to balance and the symptoms will ease.

Why shouldn’t I just buy a Chinese herbal formula over the counter?

To be most effective a formula should be specifically designed to take into account your individual assessment. For example, two people with the flu might present very differently. One may be sneezing, have a runny nose, itchy eyes and feel feverish. The other might be experiencing chills, sore throat and muscle aches. The formulas given to these two people would be very different. Taking a formula that is inappropriate for you may result in a worsening of your condition. People who self prescribe often complain that Chinese medicine ‘doesn’t work’. This is most likely because they have taken a formula that is inappropriate for them.

I don’t want to be given bear bile or other endangered animal parts. Can I trust my Chinese herbalist not to use them?

It is very easy to develop an individual formula using just plants. Most Chinese Herbal practitioners in the US don’t use any endangered species (including plants) or any products that are produced in ways that cause animal suffering.
Even if you have no ethical objection to the way these products are obtained (which you should), it makes little sense to use them as the stress the animal suffers affects the quality of the product and its level of health benefit. And there are plenty of alternatives with over 4000 items in the Chinese Materia Medica.

How soon will I get better?

That will depend on your present condition, your willingness to utilize all aspects of Chinese herbal therapy and how long you have been suffering from your symptoms. Chinese medicine is not magic. For some, improvement may occur quickly. For others it may be a slower process.

Last updated: January 6, 2009