FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are the herbs safe?

The safety of Chinese herbs lies in proper dosing and proper prescribing. It is easy to go to the local health food store and do it yourself, but, at the same time, that can be dangerous or at the very least you may get no results. Herbs are medicine and should be taken under the supervision of a well-trained acupuncturist and herbalist like myself. Only after a thorough history and intake will I arrive at a diagnosis specific to your condition. I then spend a great deal of time determining which herbal formula is best for you. Sometimes they are pre-made herbal remedies, and other times they are custom formulas written to meet your specific needs.

From time to time, patients hear or read about the side effects of particular herbs. Keep in mind, that when the Western community talks about herbs, they are talking about a single herb when used by itself-- a rare occurrence in Chinese medicine. A well-balanced herbal formula takes into account your needs, including any adverse reactions they may have with medications you may be taking, and is made up of herbs that balance each other by helping to ameliorate any potential side effects that may be felt when taking an herb by itself. Though side effects can occur, their occurrence suggests that the formula needs to be adjusted. Contrary to Western pharmaceuticals, side effects are not an acceptable result and can be avoided. The more precise the formula is to your pattern of imbalance, the fewer the side effects, if any.

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