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HOLISTIC MEDICINE & CHINESE HERBALISM
HOLISTIC MEDICINE
According to WebMD, Holistic medicine takes a perspective that primarily "the whole person is made up of interdependent parts and if one part is not working properly, all the other parts will be affected. In this way, if people have imbalances (physical, emotional, or spiritual) in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall health."
Some holistic concepts at the foundation of Chinese medicine and other similar schools of East Asian medicine include:
These holistic treatments are generally organized in to "Five Branches:" Acupuncture, Bodywork, Exercise, Nutrition, and Herbalism. The National Institute of Health identifies several disorders that may be treated beneficially by Chinese medicine. To learn more about how Chinese medicine constitues a holistic medical system, check out our blog post on this subject. To read more about acupuncture please visit ACUPUNCTURE | INNER ALCHEMY.
Some holistic concepts at the foundation of Chinese medicine and other similar schools of East Asian medicine include:
- The human body is microcosm of the larger macrocosmic universe
- Balance between two forces (yin and yang) maintains health and homeostasis, while preventing disease.
- Five elemental symbols -- fire, earth, metal, water, and wood -- represent phase-oriented interactions of all natural phenomena.
- Qi can be thought of as a vital movement flowing through the body, accounting for multiple functions of health maintenance.
These holistic treatments are generally organized in to "Five Branches:" Acupuncture, Bodywork, Exercise, Nutrition, and Herbalism. The National Institute of Health identifies several disorders that may be treated beneficially by Chinese medicine. To learn more about how Chinese medicine constitues a holistic medical system, check out our blog post on this subject. To read more about acupuncture please visit ACUPUNCTURE | INNER ALCHEMY.
CHINESE HERBALISM
Chinese herbs are given in multi-substance prescriptions, each herb balancing one another to achieve a unique effect for each individual. Taking Chinese herbal formulas acts as continuation of treatment between visits. The Chinese character "藥 Yào" often is translated to English as "herb." However this word would be most correctly translated as "medicinal substance." This definition includes all the parts of plants (roots, flowers, stems, fruit, bark, etc.), as well as substances from minerals and animals. Herbs are particularly helpful for chronic conditions, common-cold prevention, immune support, and balancing problems caused from improper diet.
Multi-substance Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions support homeostasis while resolving symptoms. Modern medicine tends to address isolated aspects of physiology, which can lead to side-effects and imbalances in other areas during the course of treatment. Western drugs are very strong in pharmaceutical action, and can be extremely helpful in life-threatening situations. Herbal medicine ingredients tend to be more gentle in action, are comparatively suited to less critical conditions, and should be valued for being exceedingly effective at preventative/palliative care.
Dr. Isaac Hoft is trained not only in prescribing herbal formulas, but also in making dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your individual pattern.
Multi-substance Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions support homeostasis while resolving symptoms. Modern medicine tends to address isolated aspects of physiology, which can lead to side-effects and imbalances in other areas during the course of treatment. Western drugs are very strong in pharmaceutical action, and can be extremely helpful in life-threatening situations. Herbal medicine ingredients tend to be more gentle in action, are comparatively suited to less critical conditions, and should be valued for being exceedingly effective at preventative/palliative care.
Dr. Isaac Hoft is trained not only in prescribing herbal formulas, but also in making dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your individual pattern.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A HOLISTIC MEDICINE CONSULTATION?If your are a first time patient, you will go through an in-depth intake with Isaac, including detailed medical history and current lifestyle/dietary habits. A consultation for a patient with an existing file will take considerably less time. Isaac will assess your pattern, make any recommendations, assemble your formula, and write detailed cooking instructions for you in a timely manner.
DO I RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS WITH A CONSULTATION?Your scheduled holistic medicine session includes the cost of an herbal consultation and acupuncture treatment, at the end of which you will receive recommendation for a Chinese medicine herbal prescription as well as any other relevant lifestyle recommendations. The cost of the herbs themselves are additional, priced by weight in grams.
WHAT CAN I TAKE HERBS FOR?Anything that acupuncture treats can be treated by herbs. A treatment can theoretically be more effective if supplemented with herbs because they are taken throughout the week after a session. This can prolong the effects of Chinese medicine treatment, which will resolve issues more quickly. They are particularly recommended for chronic conditions, immune support, and for people who are averse to needles but are still interested in Chinese medicine.
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CAN I TAKE HERBS WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?The metabolic pathways for herbs are similar to western drugs. There can sometimes be interactions between a Chinese herb and a prescription drug. It is important to disclose all medications to your practitioner before taking Chinese herbal formulas.
HOW LONG AND HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO TAKE HERBS?Typically herbs are given for a week at a time, to be taken 2-3 times per day. Your practitioner will need to review your diagnosis regularly and alter your herbal prescription to fit the progression of your pattern.
HOW IS CHINESE HERBALISM COMPARED WITH WESTERN HERBALISM?The distinctions between Chinese herbalism and western herbalism are found in their respective practical applications of medicinal substances. Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions are usually given as combinations of single herbs; as the intention in the treatment of individual patterns is to use ingredients that balance each other for achieving very specific effects. However, many individual herbs are widely used and are common to both traditions.
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At Open Mind Holistics, our board-certified herbalist, Dr. Isaac Hoft, will assess your individual case during a holistic medicine consultation and would be happy to prescribe you Chinese herbs for your pattern. Our apothecary is stocked with whole Chinese Herbs for you to cook at home with your acupuncturist's instructions.
In addition to prescribing custom tailored formulas, Isaac also is trained in the use of Classical Pearls Herbal Formulas for treating chronic complex disorders. To learn about Integrative Holistic Treatments that combine Acupuncture and Inner Alchemy with Chinese Herbalism and Art Therapy please visit INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC TREATMENTS. To learn more about Art Therapy please visit ART THERAPY | TRANSPERSONAL COUNSELING.
In addition to prescribing custom tailored formulas, Isaac also is trained in the use of Classical Pearls Herbal Formulas for treating chronic complex disorders. To learn about Integrative Holistic Treatments that combine Acupuncture and Inner Alchemy with Chinese Herbalism and Art Therapy please visit INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC TREATMENTS. To learn more about Art Therapy please visit ART THERAPY | TRANSPERSONAL COUNSELING.
