Herbal formulas, tinctures, and topical treatments like liniments and pain patches that are composed of a variety of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can be highly beneficial for healing and wellness. At Intuitive Acupuncture San Luis Obispo, customized herbal formulas are frequently recommended to help patients heal and achieve balance and a sense of well-being.
Herbal remedies have been part of healing practices for thousands of years and are still used today by indigenous people, and people from all walks of life who are looking for balance in their medical care and daily lives. Herbal remedies are made up of parts of beneficial plants and are not restricted to only what we think of as herbs. Remedies can be made from one or several plants, roots, leaves, stems, bark, or any combination of these and administered as a tea, supplements with meals, topical applications, or by other means.
Something to remember about a custom herbal remedy is that the remedy is customized for specific conditions and for a specific person. Everyone responds in their own, unique way to life circumstances, illness, and treatment. Custom herbal remedies are a central practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that are individually formulated for your unique circumstances.
Benefits of a custom herbal formula
Herbal remedies are medicine that supports the patient’s healing journey in many ways that are not supported by western formulated prescription medication or over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Even though a portion of a prescription medicine might be derived from one or more beneficial plants, there are other substances in that formulation and the combined amount of those substances may be causing side effects. Plus, prescription and OTC medications are produced to exact formulas. The percentages of the ingredients may not be the optimum combination for your unique needs.
The benefits of custom herbal formulas include:
- Herbal formulas support the client-centered integrated, holistic approach to health and healing that is rooted in TCM and practiced at Intuitive Acupuncture San Luis Obispo.
- Herbal medicines are generally gentler on the body than prescription medications, resulting in fewer uncomfortable side effects.
- Because the herbal remedy is custom formulated for each individual, it can often be taken in conjunction with prescription medication. Herbal formulas are also medicine and can interact with any prescriptions you are taking. While certain herbs may be contraindicated for use with certain drugs, other herbal remedies may be effective. It’s very important to tell your TCM doctor which prescription and OTC medications you are taking.
- Herbal remedies are made from bountiful and sustainable natural resources.
- Herbal remedies may be less expensive than prescription medication.
- Support for other treatments and therapies offered by Intuitive Acupuncture such as acupuncture, or other therapies you may be receiving such as physical therapy or emotional counseling.
Custom herbal formulas and client-centered care
Jonathan Olcott, the acupuncturist and TCM doctor at Intuitive Acupuncture place you at the center of your care. As the patient, your well-being and the health and lifestyle outcomes you want are primary in your care.
Within a client-centered environment, you are able to form a relationship with your healthcare practitioner that is based on respect and trust. You are heard, your questions are answered, and decisions about your care are reached through mutual respect and informed decisions.
In addition to deciding to choose a custom herbal formula, you have the choice of the full range of services provided by Intuitive Acupuncture San Luis Obispo, including acupuncture, cupping, herbal therapy, Tuina/acupressure, Gua Sha, and moxibustion. Massage therapy and nutritional counseling are also available. These healing services can help you recover from a wide range of conditions such as:
- Gastrointestinal issues.
- Stress and anxiety.
- Women’s health issues.
- Men’s health issues.
- Allergies and asthma.
- Addictions, including smoking.
