Chinese herbal medicine is the largest organized herbal system in the world. In China, it is considered to be a very powerful form of therapy that is used to treat most conditions. Due to its long history, the workings of the classical herbal formulas are extremely well understood.
At Bastyr Center for Natural Health, we prescribe Chinese herbs both as a complement to acupuncture treatments and as a primary form of therapy. Chinese herbs can help change unhealthful balances and patterns, resulting in decreased allergy symptoms, increased energy, improved digestion, improved sleep and/or regulated menstrual cycle. The herbs are particularly effective with chronic problems as well as the more acute versions of the common cold and flu, which do not respond as readily to Western medicines.
The first appointment in the Chinese herbal medicine department lasts 1 hour, and follow-up appointments last 1/2 hour. During the appointment, you will be asked many detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle patterns. Inspection of the tongue and palpation of the pulses at the wrist will also be included in the diagnostic workup.