Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most sophisticated branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Written history of Chinese herbology dates back approximately 2,000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are rarely given singly. Instead, they are combined in a formula to maximize synergistic effects.
Along with acupuncture, there are different schools of thought on Chinese herbs. We primarily practice a style of herbalism that was propagated by Zhang Zhong Jing around 220 AD. Susan Ko has completed the Diplomate in Canonical Chinese Medicine, a specialty post-graduate herbal medicine program that is taught by Arnaud Versluy.
There are generally three different ways of ingesting Chinese herbs:
Pills are the simplest to take and usually the cheapest. The primary disadvantage is that we cannot modify the formula. Although there are hundreds of pill formulas available, sometimes a patient has specific needs that can not be addressed from a standardized formula. In addition, pills usually have the mildest effect on a patient.
Powders are the middle ground. They can be completely customized in terms of herb content and dosage and are relatively easy to take. Simply add hot water to the powder, wait 10 minutes and then drink.
Boiled decoction is what we typically imagine when herbs are mentioned. Dry herbs are soaked in water and then boiled. The resulting liquid is then drunk. The advantage of decoction is their strength, availability of herbs and complete customization. The disadvantage is that boiling herbs can be time consuming (approximately two hours for a two day supply) and smelly.
Herb Safety: in the past few years, there has been some controversy concerning herb safety. Please be assured that all herbs that we prescribe are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified, sulfur free, and have been tested for DDT, Hexachlorabenzene, lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and other contaminants. Unfortunately, organic certification for Chinese herbs is rare at this time.
For acupuncture appointments, please call (615) 260-6944 or click this link.
Herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most sophisticated branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Written history of Chinese herbology dates back approximately 2,000 years. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are rarely given singly. Instead, they are combined in a formula to maximize synergistic effects.
Along with acupuncture, there are different schools of thought on Chinese herbs. We primarily practice a style of herbalism that was propagated by Zhang Zhong Jing around 220 AD. Susan Ko has completed the Diplomate in Canonical Chinese Medicine, a specialty post-graduate herbal medicine program that is taught by Arnaud Versluy.
There are generally three different ways of ingesting Chinese herbs:
- Pills
- Powder
- Boiled decoction from dried herbs
Pills are the simplest to take and usually the cheapest. The primary disadvantage is that we cannot modify the formula. Although there are hundreds of pill formulas available, sometimes a patient has specific needs that can not be addressed from a standardized formula. In addition, pills usually have the mildest effect on a patient.
Powders are the middle ground. They can be completely customized in terms of herb content and dosage and are relatively easy to take. Simply add hot water to the powder, wait 10 minutes and then drink.
Boiled decoction is what we typically imagine when herbs are mentioned. Dry herbs are soaked in water and then boiled. The resulting liquid is then drunk. The advantage of decoction is their strength, availability of herbs and complete customization. The disadvantage is that boiling herbs can be time consuming (approximately two hours for a two day supply) and smelly.
Herb Safety: in the past few years, there has been some controversy concerning herb safety. Please be assured that all herbs that we prescribe are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified, sulfur free, and have been tested for DDT, Hexachlorabenzene, lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium and other contaminants. Unfortunately, organic certification for Chinese herbs is rare at this time.
For acupuncture appointments, please call (615) 260-6944 or click this link.
330 Mallory Station Road
Suite 15
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 260-6944 Phone
(615) 617-4307 Fax
Read Reviews of Our Clinic
Suite 15
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 260-6944 Phone
(615) 617-4307 Fax
Read Reviews of Our Clinic