Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use herbal medicines, along with other forms of treatment, to treat or prevent health problems. Chinese herbal medicine uses different herbs in a well-balanced formula: typically around six to twelve different herbs, depending on your health condition. Chinese herbs and acupuncture are both excellent healing modalities to help achieve harmony and balance within the body for a variety of conditions. Furthermore, they are synergistic and work even better when used together.
A typical Chinese Herbal pharmacy in this country has about two to three hundred different herbs. Most herbs are derived from various parts of plants such as roots, leaves, stems, and bark. Cinnamon, ginger, scallions, cloves, orange peels, and licorice are among the commonly used herbs.
Chinese herbal medicine uses different herbs in a well-balanced formula. There are hundreds of traditional patent formulas that are proven effective, but we strive to go beyond. Your herbalist will create a formula unique to your condition. Unlike other dispensaries, our formulas are digitized and weighed using specialized software, minimizing human error. Our herbs only come from growers and suppliers who meet our strict quality standards. Currently, we provide herbs in granule form that can be mixed into water or tea, or vegetarian capsules that can be easily swallowed.
In Chinese herbalism, along with all forms of TCM, practitioners strive to restore balance and heal the root causes of their patients' issues, instead of just suppressing symptoms. We believe that the individual approach is the best way to treat the underlying cause of symptoms and disharmony. No two people are the same - nor should two people’s formulas be the same. Your prescription will be written and filled within two days of your appointment. Prescriptions can be mailed via priority shipping or picked up at the location most convenient for you. It is our goal to help patients treat the root of their condition, not simply mask or treat symptoms. All of our herbalists are licensed with the state and have had hundreds of hours of education and experience with Chinese herbs. All of our herbalists are licensed acupuncturists as well.
At Tai Chi Acupuncture and Wellness we have our own herbal dispensary with over 120 herbs on-site at our Danvers location. We offer herbal consultations or consultations that are added to acupuncture appointments.
Many Chinese herbal formulas are bitter to some palates and take time to adjust to the flavor. You may mix the tea or decoction with honey. However, you should taste the formula before you sweeten it, as the honey may change the flavor. In order to make the benefits of Chinese herbs more accessible, we offer prescriptions in capsule form at no additional cost. Again, please follow the instructions as listed by your herbalist.
Herbs are generally safe. Herbalists follow principles recommended by the Massachusetts Board of Health so, please feel free to discuss any general dietary or lifestyle concerns with your practitioner and whether herbs will have an effect on any present medications you are taking. Our herbalists, at Tai Chi Acupuncture and Wellness Center, have decades of combined experience.
Though there are not many side effects, the most common side effects include slight headache and diarrhea. We cross-analyze each herbal formula with any current medications for any possible adverse interactions.
*** Please contact our centers immediately if you should have an allergic reaction or adverse side effects. ***
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