Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is older than the practice of acupuncture
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The oldest record documenting the use of herbal formulas is called the Wu Shi Er Bing Fang or Prescriptions for Fifty-Two Kinds of Diseases, written approximately 3rd Century B.C. It was inscribed on silk fabric and included 280 herbal prescriptions to treat 53 kinds of diseases.
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In the course of gathering food, humans discovered that certain plants, animals and minerals have medicinal properties. Through trial and error in using these medicinal substances to treat various diseases, the Chinese discovered that combining substances was often more effective
than using them individually*.
Such observations and experiences have been inventoried for thousands of years, and have led empirically to Chinese herbal medicine as it is practiced today.
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*Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications, Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research
Herbal medicine should only be given by a licensed herbalist.
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In the U.S. herbal remedies can sometimes be considered benign or safe because they are “just herbs”. This is dangerous and wrong. Herbal formulas are considered medicine and should only be given by a licensed herbalist or herbalist.
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Our bodies benefit from herbs in many ways. Given that there is an accurate diagnosis, strategic planning of treatment and careful consideration of which herbal prescription to prescribe, herbal remedies can relieve many issues.
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Herbal medicines tend to be dispensed in liquid form so the remedies are more available to the body which helps with the swiftness of healing. Herbals are not synthetic so the body is more able to metabolize them in an organic way. Herbals are easier to prescribe, in that the dosing is custom and can be calibrated for a persons weight and structure. Herbs can be often be combined with other medications and supplements so they are easily integrated into ones routine.
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Herbs are just as important to your therapy as your acupuncture treatment.
Chinese herbs are based on the same theories as acupuncture, allowing your treatment to continue while away from the clinic.