Jessica Zoe Vargish MS, L.Ac., CCHM
 

Five Element Acupuncture ******************** Traditional Chinese Acupuncture ******************** Chinese Herbal Medicine ******************** North Capitol Hill Location

 
 

Home and Recipes Herbal Medicine Acupuncture Location Biography
 

Chinese herbal medicine has been used alongside acupuncture for thousands of years. These two aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine are most powerful for treating chronic and acute disharmonies when they are used together.
In Chinese herbal medicine, herbs are usually not taken singly, but, instead, combined into formulas consisting of about 2 to 15 herbs mixed together. They are combined in order to enhance each other's therapeutic aspects and also counteract each other's side effects and toxicities. In the tea forms, single ingredients can be added and subtracted from the formulas to customize the mixture for an individual. These sophisticated herbal combinations are tailored to each individual patient to alleviate symptoms and support overall health. Chinese herbs come in a variety of forms.
  • Loose herbal formulas: These are the real deal. The herbs in their raw form (barks, berries, roots, etc.)are boiled to produce a tea. This form of herbal medicine is the most powerful and formulas are tailored very specifically for each patient. However, these teas are the most time consuming to prepare and may have unusual flavors and fragrances.
  • Granulated formulas: These herbal formulas are like instant tea. They are quick to prepare and have a milder flavor and aroma than the loose herbs. Like the loose herbs, they ingredients can be altered to suit each individual. Although they are not quite as powerful as the loose herbs, granular herbs can be a perfect option for the busy patient who wants results.
  • Patent Pills: These are Chinese herbal formulas in pill form. They are quick and easy compared to teas and have no exotic flavors with which to contend. However, they are not as powerful and are premade, so they cannot be custom tailored.
Regardless of the type of herbal medicine a patient chooses, using herbs will enhance the results of the acupuncture treatments.