Herbal Medicine

"The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore, the physician must start from nature, with an open mind." -Paracelsus

Chinese herbal medicine is a core part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years. It’s based on the use of natural plant, mineral, and occasionally animal substances to support the body’s healing processes and maintain balance.

Unlike single-ingredient supplements, Chinese herbs are typically combined into customized formulas tailored to each patient’s specific needs. These formulas address not only symptoms but also the root causes of illness, supporting the body’s ability to repair and regulate itself over time. In many cases, herbs are used to help the body clear pathogens, viruses, bacteria, or fungi, while also supporting tissue repair and immune recovery. Herbs are often taken as teas, powders, capsules, or granules, depending on what best suits the patient.

At True Acupuncture & Wellness, herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture and other TCM therapies to support recovery and strengthen the body’s overall function. It can be especially helpful for chronic or complex conditions involving multiple systems, such as digestion, stress, pain, hormones, or immune regulation.

How Herbal Medicine Works

Modern research continues to uncover how herbal medicine works on a biochemical level. While rooted in traditional theory, many of its effects are now supported by physiology and pharmacology.

Here are several ways herbal formulas are known to influence the body:

Bioactive compounds:

Herbs contain natural compounds—such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids—that have measurable effects on various organ systems.
Synergistic actions:

Chinese herbal formulas combine multiple herbs that work together, enhancing each other’s effects and minimizing side effects. The synergy between herbs creates broader and more balanced results than single-ingredient remedies.
Balancing systems:

Herbal medicine aims to restore the body’s internal balance rather than simply mask symptoms. By harmonizing organ functions, it supports both acute recovery and long-term wellness.
Immune modulation:

Certain herbs help regulate immune activity, reducing excessive inflammation while supporting the body’s defense against pathogens.
Anti-inflammatory effects:

Many formulas contain herbs with proven anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease pain, swelling, and tissue irritation.
Antioxidant protection:

Herbs rich in antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress and environmental toxins, supporting vitality and slowing degenerative changes.
Hormonal and stress regulation:

Specific herbal compounds have been shown to influence hormonal balance and the stress response—supporting menstrual health, fertility, adrenal function, and emotional stability.

When Herbal Medicine Is Used

Chinese herbal therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Digestive disorders (IBS, reflux, bloating, constipation)
Respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, chronic sinusitis)
Pain syndromes and inflammation
Hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularities
Sleep and mood disorders
Immune or autoimmune conditions
Fatigue and stress-related imbalance

It can also be used preventively to strengthen resilience, support detoxification, and maintain long-term balance.

Personalized Formulas

Every formula prescribed is customized for the individual. During your consultation, your practitioner will evaluate symptoms, tongue, pulse, and energetic patterns to identify which organ systems need support.

Formulas may be adjusted over time as your body changes and heals. This flexibility makes herbal medicine especially powerful for chronic or evolving conditions.

Safety and Quality

All herbal products at True Acupuncture & Wellness are sourced from reputable suppliers who adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and rigorous testing for purity, potency, and contaminants.

Herbal prescriptions are designed to work safely alongside most medications, though it’s always important to share your full medication list with your practitioner for proper review and coordination with your primary physician.

Summary

Chinese herbal medicine combines ancient wisdom with modern understanding of health and physiology. When skillfully applied, it helps restore the body’s natural rhythms, reduce inflammation, and promote healing from the inside out.

At True Acupuncture & Wellness, herbal therapy is personalized, evidence-informed, and designed to complement your overall care plan, helping you feel stronger, calmer, and more in balance.