JADE ACUPUNCTURE/Questions & Answers About Chinese Herbal Medicine

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Why Should I Take Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Most importantly, it is a safe alternative to Western pharmacology with very few, if any, side effects.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a complete medical system, time tested, and able to treat a full range of disease.

It treats acute conditions such as common cold, stomach flu, diarrhea,
and Bell's Palsy type conditions to name a few.

Chronic illness responds well to Chinese Herbal Medicine as it strengthens the body's systems and promotes well-being.

Are There Side Effects From Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese Herbal Medicine has extremely low side effect/toxicity rate. This does not mean they are not potent or dangerous, but rather when correctly combined by a certified practitioner the herbal formula is balanced to guard against any ill effect.
This is one area where Eastern and Western medicine cross over. Western pharmaceutical drugs are very powerful, but they often damage other systems as they work.
Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to relieve the patient of some of these side effects.

Who Can Benefit from Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Everyone!

Young and old, pregnant women, newborns and children. An NCCAOM certified Chinese herbal practitioner can safely prescribe herbal medicine for any patient.

Herbal medicine is good for an infant with irritability caused by teething, colic, diarrhea, fever and respiratory conditions.

Children's conditions such as cough, poor appetite, measles, enuresis, urinary tract and throat infections can all be addressed by Chinese Herbal Medicine and if necessary, acupuncture.

* For infants and children the dosage is decreased.

How Do I Take Chinese Herbal Medicine?

The best method is to cook the herbal formula in water and drink it as a decoction/tea. This "loose" herb format allows the herbalist to have maximum control over the formula to suit the patient's individual condition. This is the best method to take
herbs.
The decoctions often taste bitter and are somewhat time consuming to prepare,
but well worth the effort.

Granules are pre-cooked and freeze-dried herbs. These are mixed with hot water
and taken immediately. They are quick and easy to prepare.

Patent or pill form is good for people too busy to cook, travelers, chronic illnesses
and of course, children.

What Type of Substances Are Used?

The majority are of plant origin. A formula may contain flowers, leaves, stems, bark, rhizomes and roots or any combination thereof. Most herbs are dried, some are steamed, baked, or cooked with ginger.

There are some animal products such as horn, bone, and in some cases entire insects.

We also use shells such as oyster and abalone, pearl, and some minerals: calcium, alum, and fluorite, to name a few.

How Soon Will I See Results?

For acute cases relief can be immediate or within a few hours of drinking the tea.

Chronic conditions require longer treatment time. In some conditions the body must be strengthened before we proceed to the main complaint. General signs of progress and improvement are seen soon, usually within a few weeks after beginning treatment.

Will I Have To Take Them Always?

In general, the answer is no. Chinese Herbal Medicine searches for the "root" cause of the condition and attempts to affect change at this level, rather than treat the "branches" or symptoms. If we address the root cause then the symptoms are cleared as a result.

For Your Safety.........

Always choose a Chinese Herbal Practitioner that has NCCAOM certification or equivalent.

NCCAOM (National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine) sets the national standards for the practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Please visit the NCCAOM website at www.NCCAOM.org