Herbal therapy has been championed by China and other Eastern countries for centuries. As Western medicine looks for more natural alternatives with fewer side effects, herbal medicine is gaining a foothold in the treatment of several common health concerns. Read on for advice from the Cleveland Clinic and learn what recent research has to say about herbalism. 

According to Galina Roofener, LAc, of the Cleveland Clinic, you should treat Chinese herbs just as you would a prescription, i.e. get an evaluation from a qualified practitioner before taking anything. Your acupuncturist will conduct a complete health history with you before your first examination to determine what your health concerns are and how herbs might best be used, along with traditional acupuncture treatments. 

Roofener also points out an important distinction between Western medicine and Chinese herbalism. She says that herbalists don’t just treat symptoms but rather they treat the entire human being, including the pattern of symptoms. Acupuncturists believe in “qi” or the flow of energy throughout the body. When something exists to disrupt that flow, they don’t just treat the resulting symptoms, rather they treat the underlying cause of the issue to restore complete health. 

Roofener says that at the Cleveland Clinic they “use traditional formulas that consist of a few herbs that have strictly designated roles. Some of them are the main active ingredients that address the primary complaint. Others may address secondary complaints or symptoms. That’s why we customize the majority of herbal formulas to each person.” And Chinese herbs come in a variety of forms. You might receive them as capsules or granules, but they also might be teas, liquids, or powders. 

What the Research Says

There are some exciting recent research studies about herbal medicine but one of the most promising investigated the use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers for this study, published in 2021, ultimately proposed “that these two approaches be integrated to improve outcomes for AD patients.” 

The abstract outlined it best, saying, “Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a variety of causes. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which includes the two main approaches of acupuncture and herbal medication, views the human body as a self-controlled system network. Fundamental theories, including “qi,” the five elements, and the theory of viscera, form the basis for classification. Diseases in humans are considered to be caused by an imbalance of “yang qi” and “yin qi” that lead to the non-homeostasis of organs. Acupuncture is derived from 12 main meridians and 365 acupuncture points characterized by “blood and qi.” Needling of different positions corresponds to specific disease treatments to increase qi. Treatment with Chinese herbal medicines is based on syndrome differentiation characterized as “Zheng” which differs from the cause orientation approach of Western medicine.” This goes back to the theory mentioned by Roofener that herbalists don’t just treat symptoms but the whole body. 

What can Herbs Treat?

Chinese herbal medicine, combined with acupuncture, can treat a variety of health concerns including seasonal allergies, the side effects of cancer treatments, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, infertility, menopause, and sleep disorders. 

As for the safety of taking herbs, Roofener has done extensive research on the safety of herbs and notes that, “over a 7-year study, we did not have a single lab result show kidney or liver problems. And out of 333 patients, we had just five very mild cases of itching or shortness of breath due to allergic reactions.”

What to Expect

At your first appointment, I will take a detailed health history, including current and past health issues. We will discuss any medications you are currently taking because some herbs and drugs may not interact well together.

If you are curious what herbal therapy might do for you, talk to me today to see what options are available to you. It just might be the natural solution you’ve been looking for. 

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If you are one of the millions of people who made a New Year’s resolution last month to eat better and make healthier choices in 2023, then it might be time to take stock of how that process is going. Are you already off the wagon and back to your unhealthy habits? Or are you keeping your eye on your goals and making progress? No matter which side of the coin you fall on, you might want to talk to your acupuncturist about your nutritional goals. They can be a wealth of information and help as you look to build a better and stronger you. 

Building Blocks of Good Health

According to Chinese medicine philosophy, acupuncture and nutrition are the first line of defense in maintaining balance and good overall health. Food provides us with the energy we need to function but it can also provide us with the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants that keep our bodies working at an optimal level. And nutrition plays a huge role in both our physical and mental well-being. With simple changes to our diets, we can increase energy levels and improve our overall health. 

But sometimes the hesitation comes in knowing exactly where to begin with making those changes. It can seem overwhelming to try and change everything at once. That’s where your acupuncturist can come in with helpful suggestions based on the things you want to accomplish. The nutritional adjustments and acupuncture treatments can work hand in hand to help get your body back to its optimal level of performance. 

Whole Food Focus

Whenever possible, it is best to have a whole food focus as opposed to just taking supplements. However, there are situations where the nutrition your body needs just isn’t available through the food you eat. For example, vegans often lack the vitamin B12 since that is most often found in meat. For vegans, taking a B12 supplement is a wise choice because they may have no other way to get that source of vitamin.

There are many fruits, vegetables, and roots that can impact your body’s hormonal, neurological, cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Foods rich in omega-3’s and omega-6 are believed to improve cardiovascular health. Apple cider vinegar has been known to reduce acid reflux and can be a natural cleanser. Turmeric and garlic are natural detoxifiers while citrus fruits naturally cleanse the liver. And ginger has been a remedy for nausea as well. 

Herbal Supplements Can be a Good Option

There are specific herbal supplements that can help your body to boost its immune system as well as detox. Talk to your acupuncturist about what herbal supplements they recommend to help you add those vital nutrients to your diet. 

Identify your health goals so you and your acupuncturist can develop a plan specifically designed for your needs. When your practitioner understands exactly what you want to accomplish, they are better equipped to make recommendations tailored to your needs and success. 

If you are now ready to take the first steps toward a more integrated approach to your health and nutrition or if you are just ready to get back on track, talk to your acupuncturist today and let them help you achieve your health goals.

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TCM utilizes a methodology based on the five elements. Summer is ruled by the fire element. The summer months are a time of growth, joy and spiritual awareness. Something commonly seen by TCM practitioners during the summer season is a phenomenon called summer heat. The symptoms of summer heat include excessive body heat, sweating, constipation, dry mouth and heart palpitations. Despite the fact summer is a season of warmth, the body still needs to be prepped for the seasonal changes. Any transition from one season to another should include the boosting of the body’s immune system. Therefore, herbal formulas that strengthen the essence and nourish the body are very important to have on hand as summer rushes in.

Herbal formulas are an integral part of TCM. In fact, most scholars believe herbal formulas preceded the development of acupuncture, another vital modality utilized by TCM. One herbal formula that is a must must-have for somebody showing signs of summer heat, is known as Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang. This formula will clear away summer heat, promote bodily fluids and benefit the Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the energy or life force that keeps all living things alive. When Qi becomes deficient or depleted, the body shows signs of disease.

Another herbal formula that can be beneficial during the summer months is known as Liu Yi San. This formula clears summer heat, resolves dampness and tonifies Qii. This particular formula can be used in severe cases of summer heat or heat stroke, as it can help stop any nausea or vomiting associated with heat exhaustion.

Not all herbal formulas are comprised of multiple herbs. There are some individual herbs that can be very helpful to have around in case somebody becomes stricken with summer heat. For instance, chrysanthemum flowers (Ju Hua) are frequently steeped into a refreshing tea during the warm summer months. Ju Hua clears heat from the lungs and is cooling to the body.

Mung beans can also be used to fight off summer heat and heat exhaustion. Mung beans can be steeped into a tea and sipped during an attack of summer heat. This tea can prevent and decrease the symptoms of dehydration, headaches, abdominal bloating and decreased urination.

There are also many other herbs that can be added to food or steeped into teas or used topically that can help with summertime ailments. Lavender is good for stress relief, as well as skin problems. Got a bug bite? Try applying some diluted tea tree oil. Elder flowers can assist with upper respiratory congestion that is sometimes common. Dandelions can be steeped into a tea that will help reduce a fever.

There are many ways herbs and herbal formulas can help during the warm summer months. Many of the single herbs can be found already made in teabags at the local grocery store. For the herbal formulations, you should check with a licensed TCM practitioner or herbalist in your area. So raise a glass of lemonade or iced tea to the season of summer. And don’t forget to add the Ju Hua.

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In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the immune system is called Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). The Wei Qi is closely associated with the internal organs, specifically the lungs. When the energy of the lungs is well-balanced, Wei Qi is strong and can easily fight off any external attacks. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs dominate the skin and breathing. If lung function is deficient or compromised in any way, then the body is more open to external pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Common symptoms of decreased Wei Qi or immunity include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, headaches, fever and/or chills.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a medical system that has been around for nearly 4,000 years. There are many tools in the kit of a TCM practitioner. Probably the most commonly used tools for building Wei Qi are acupuncture and herbal formulas. Acupuncture uses hair-thin stainless steel, single-use needles that are placed on specific acupressure points that can boost immunity and balance hormones. When the hormones are stressed and unbalanced, illness can occur. Acupuncture points associated with Wei Qi can strengthen the circulation of energy and blood, which will then boost the body’s defense mechanisms, thus helping to prevent illness. Regular acupuncture treatments can also cause the brain to increase T-cells in the body. T-cells destroy bacteria and viruses. Acupuncture needles provoke the body’s immune response by sending T-cells and white cells to the needle sites to fight off the invaders. These effects can last for several days, which keeps immunity higher than normal.

Chinese botanicals are another great way to build up Wei Qi. Any herb or herb combination that boosts or enhances the immune system will keep the body functioning at its optimal level. In TCM, there are many individual herbs that boost the Qi and some specifically boost the Wei Qi. Astragalus (huang qi) is one of the more frequently used Chinese herbs. It is used to tonify the Wei Qi, fortify the lungs and protect against pathogens. Studies show huang qi increases white blood cells, which can help fight off infection and pathogenic invasions.

Cordyceps (dong chong xia cao) is another immune-boosting herb. Cordyceps enhances immunity by increasing white blood cells, T-cells and interferon. It also can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. While cordyceps works very well by itself, it works even better when used as part of a formula, as do most Chinese herbs. When looking to use Chinese herbs, be sure to seek out a qualified herbalist and TCM practitioner to insure overall safety of the herb or formula.

TCM and all of its modalities can be very helpful in staying well and healthy. When added to the practices of proper sleep and nutrition, drinking lots of water and mild exercise, TCM will help keep the body’s immune system healthy. And hopefully if illness does occur, it will only be mild. Here’s to your health!

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