Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) is dear to my heart, and is the primary reason I decided to formally study traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Before attending the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine I researched both western and Chinese herbs on my own. Additionally, I had many years of firsthand positive experience as a patient while being treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
During my time in acupuncture school, I was fortunate to work at Mayway Corporation, a Chinese herbal company founded in 1969 and located in Oakland, California. This allowed me a greater opportunity to study Chinese herbs and manufacturing processes. To date I am still employed as an outside consultant and representative for Mayway.
There is a fine art to properly prescribing Chinese herbs. All factors that contribute to a patient’s health profile; including lifestyle, individual metabolism, diet, prescription medications, and dietary supplements are taken into account.
If it is appropriate, and will enhance the treatment plan, I usually write custom powdered herbal formulations for my patients. This is done following a thorough health history and diagnosis according to the principles of TCM, as well as consideration of all of the above factors, particularly with respect to prescription medications and any possible interactions or contraindications.
Custom formulations, which are prepared by Mayway and shipped directly to the patient, are comprised of anywhere from 4 to 17 herbs, which are selected to work in harmony with each other. Herbs are of plant based origin, except for a few mineral based instances. Formulas are chosen and modified based on classic TCM principles and diagnosis patterns.
Compared to conventional medications, herbal medicine works gradually, and one should expect to allow at least 4-6 weeks to see results. Several courses may be needed, and the length of treatment will vary with individual presentation. Some formulas are appropriate for long term use.
