Like the proverbial yang to acupuncture’s yin, Chinese herbal medicine forms an important cornerstone to any traditional Chinese therapy.
Chinese herbal medicine has a rich and and celebrated history throughout the ages; in a way, the practice of Chinese herbal medicine is akin to walking with humans from primordial history, from its legendary origins as imparted knowledge from sage emperors such as shennong to the classics of the scholar physicians of the Han through to Qing dynasties to the scientists and doctors of the modern age, the study and practice of Chinese herbal medicine is the story of human history.Throughout this journey, Chinese herbal medicine has grown, has transformed and has evolved to form an important component of world health today.
General practice involves the use of between 300 and 400 different varieties of herbs, roots and minerals. Prescriptions are rarely composed of a single herb, rather, herbal prescriptions are comprised of 8-20 different types of herbs in a typical treatment.
Fine tuned and tailored herbal prescriptions
Your condition reflects changes in your own unique physical constitution and this will therefore be reflected in your own unique herbal prescription.
The beauty of Chinese herbal medicine is its versatility in responding to these changes in your condition; herbs can be added or removed and dosages can be altered as your condition improves and develops. Such intimate tailoring of herbs to better adapt to the changes in your condition is a central feature of Chinese herbal medicine.
Every herbal formula dispensed by Henry follows a carefully analysed review of your allergies, the medications/supplements you’re currently taking, as well as a threat analysis of any potential herb-drug interactions. Nothing is pre-prepared, everything is tailored for best fit.
How are Chinese herbs taken?
Henry uses herbs in concentrated granulated extracts. They are prepared much like preparing a cup of instant coffee: just add hot water, stir until the granules dissolve then drink.
Are there any side effects to taking Chinese herbs?
It’s unlikely that you’ll experience any serious side effects from taking Chinese herbs; occasionally, some people may report experiencing loose stools after taking Chinese herbs. If this occurs, your herbal prescription can be easily modified to avoid these reactions.
Taking modern pharmaceuticals with Chinese herbal medicine
A commonly asked question is whether or not it’s ok for one to take western medicine or prescription pharmaceuticals with Chinese herbal medicine. The short answer is a conditional yes so long as we’re informed of the western medication you’re taking ahead of time so we can minimise potential adverse reactions.
This clinic recommends that you leave at least one hour between taking either western medicine or Chinese herbal medicine so as to allow yourself the maximum absorption of both medications.