What effects do therapeutic herbs and herbal formulas have on the body?

Like vitamins, herbs can be used for both prevention and cure. Depending upon the specific application, a formula's function may include: increasing energy, enhancing immune response, healing injured tissue, detoxifying and normalizing metabolic activity, clearing infection and inflammation, enhancing elimination, adjusting fluid balance, etc. Many modern illnesses are a result of poor immune system response. Certain Oriental and Western herbs may be particularly effective in strengthening the immune system.

 

How are herbal remedies taken?

Traditionally, medicinal herbs were often taken as a decoction or tea (here the herbs are cooked from 1-3 hours). In modern times in addition to teas, herbs are also available in prepared formulas in tablets or capsules, in concentrated powdered extracts or liquid tinctures. The symptoms/signs, age and weight of the patient and confidence factors are taken into consideration as to how a particular herbal formula may be prescribed and

taken.

 

How are Chinese herbal formulas composed?

The herbalist first draws upon a diagnostic pattern that is present with an individual patient according to traditional Chinese medical principals and theories. Information is gathered through questioning, pulse and tongue analysis and abdominal palpation (examination by touch). Using expert knowledge of herbs and their influences, certain herbal ingredients are then selected. With an understanding of how different herbs work together in a prescription, the total formula to have from 4-15 different types of herbs present. These formulas are combined according to studied principles and are not random. Each formula is recorded accurately in a patient's file and kept on record. In general, herbs with complimentary properties are combined to create balanced, effective formulas.

 

Can Chinese herbs be taken together with Western herbs and/or vitamin and nutritional supplements?

In many cases yes, herbs and nutrients can be safely taken together.  Chinese herbalist has been practiced and studied as a system of healing for at least 2,000 years. Western herbalism, including herbs and formulas from European, American Indian, and naturopathic traditions, has been utilized for at least a few hundred years. Modern research and clinical studies continue to support and shed light on the healing and therapeutic effects of herbal and nutritional supplements on many types of modern health care conditions. The quality, potency, and dosages of herbal and nutritional formulas are of the utmost importance in order to experience beneficial therapeutic effects. Combining certain herbs with specific nutrients and dietary protocols can have a supportative and synergistic effect on various systems of the body. These effects are considered and discussed with each patient on an individual basis.

 

Where are the herbs grown and how do I obtain them once I have received an herbal prescription?

The herbs that are used in our formulas are, for the most part, cultivated or collected wild from China and other parts of the world where herbs have been cultivated and used systematically for a few thousand years. We presently maintain an extensive Chinese and Western herbal pharmacy on the premises at Lotus Healing Arts and use only the highest quality herbs and nutrients available at affordable prices (These products are all made by companies certified in Good Manufacturing Practices - GMP). Herbs are available in various forms: pills, capsules, extract granule. These herbal formulas are dispensed only by licensed practitioners to patients of this office. (Herbs and other natural supplements are not sold through this office on a retail basis for the general public.)

 

What are some conditions commonly treated with therapeutic herbs, nutritional supplements, and dietary therapies?

While therapeutic herbalism and clinical nutrition are not a panacea, there are many conditions that respond favorably to these therapies.

 

Examples are:

Sinus problems, asthma, bronchitis and lowered immunity, skin problems, Arthritis - certain types, various types of menstrual/menopausal disorders, headaches, colds, and flu, fatigue, sleep disorders, digestive disorders, urinary tract and prostate problems, neuralgia - nerve pain, lower back and neck pain, postsurgical pain/dysfunction.

 

Whatever your health related problems may be, it is usually best to consult with a qualified herbalist/acupuncturist to determine if your particular problem may be helped through traditional Oriental and modern Nutritional health care practices.

 

Are there health conditions that herbal and clinical nutrition therapies are not recommended for?

Yes, problems related to medical emergencies fall into this category.  Problems such as acute pain or pressure in the chest and abdomen, sudden weakness or severe pain anywhere in the body, (e.g. appendicitis), bone breaks, structural problems such as cataracts, severe infectious disease, medical emergencies. This is a sample list of conditions, if you are in doubt, please consult with your herbalist/acupuncturist.

 

How long is therapy required to obtain results?

This is dependent on a number of factors including: the duration of an illness, the complexity of the illness, age and lifestyle factors. Acute or recent illnesses generally have a much shorter course of therapy than a chronic or long-term health problem. During a consultation/evaluation, these parameters are openly discussed so that each patient may understand and participate in their health care process. With complex and/or chronic health problems, treatment, strategies might include taking herbs and acupuncture/acupressure, dietary and exercise recommendations and approaches to practical stress-management techniques. While acute conditions may respond favorably in a relatively short period of time, chronic health problems may require several weeks to months of therapy.

 

During this type of process-oriented therapy there may be several stages required for herbal/acupuncture therapy and lifestyle changes to recreate an increasing level of health and balance. In these circumstances, consultations may be scheduled more regularly and treatment goals and parameters will be openly discussed so that mutual understanding and intention may be present between the doctor and patient.

 

Once I am recommended to take a particular herbal and/or nutritional formula, do I take the same formula all the time?

This is a very important issue when using traditional Oriental and Western herbal formulas. These formulas are designed to be used on a very specific basis; based on the signs, symptoms, duration of illness, overall condition of the patient and objective findings from examining each person. Our bodies operate under various rhythms and cycles and we may experience changes in our state of health in very short periods of time, such as during the onset of a cold or flu. Because many people may have more than one symptom or complaint and these may change during the course of therapy, it is appropriate to alter the herbal formula and/or treatment strategy to deal with these changes. As such, if you are experiencing new symptoms or a lessening of the old symptoms, it is important to consult with your herbalist/acupuncturist to discuss these issues. Instructions for preparing and/or taking herbal and dietary formulas will be handed out with each herbal prescription.

 

Are there dietary practices that I need to follow as part of herbal and nutritional therapies?

Modern science has shown us that what we eat and drink may have very direct relationships in our overall state of health and, specifically, on many types of health conditions. Certain foods may enhance our body's state of health and immunity, whereas other foods may perpetrate and contribute to states of ill health. In the system of traditional health care, dietary and lifestyle factors have been recognized for centuries to be integral components to achieving and maintaining good health. Certain types of health problems may be aggravated by certain foods (including spices) and these factors are usually addressed on an individual basis as part of an herbal pattern diagnosis.

 

Are there any side effects from taking therapeutic herbs of specific nutrients?

A carefully designed herbal and nutritional program rarely has side effects because its influences on different parts of the body are relatively balanced thus each part of the body may receive the desired type of effect.  In rare cases, there may be mild side effects such as stomach upset or nervousness. In these cases, the formula may be reevaluated and adapted.  In all cases, any reactions to the herbs and/or specific nutrients will disappear shortly after their use has stopped.

 

Can therapeutic herbs be utilized if a person is also taking (Western) prescription medications?

In most cases, herbal and nutritional therapies can be safely used while taking prescription medications. Due to the gentler action of the herbs and the way that herbal formulas are prescribed according to very specific patterns for each individual patient's constitutional makeup and current health problems, herbal therapies rarely create any adverse reactions with prescription medications. Often herbal and nutritional therapies can be used to offset some of the side effects that pharmaceutical medicines may create. In the course of utilizing herbal medicine, nutritional supplements and/or acupuncture, physiological systems of the body may begin and continue to function at higher levels, during which time symptoms and health problems may improve to the point where medications may need to be reduced or eliminated altogether to avoid creating further imbalance. It is important to understand that while we, as certified and licensed herbal practitioners and acupuncturists, are interested in knowing about your pharmaceutical history and any medications that you might be presently taking, we are not trained in or licensed to practice medicine. As such, it is the patient's right and responsibility to discuss prescribed pharmaceutical medications with their prescribing practitioner. We are quite attentive

to how herbs, nutrients, over the counter and prescription medicines may interact and will always consider and discuss these issues in each patient's case.

 

A relative of mine has experienced positive results in dealing with fatigue by taking an herb called ginseng. I have read some things about ginseng and wanted to know if I should also try it?

This is a good question; however, to answer this appropriately, there would be other issues that would require looking into before specific herbs might be recommended. These issues might involve your age, lifestyle, specific health problems, medications you might be taking, and your constitutional (genetic) tendencies. In addition, pulse and tongue examination by a qualified practitioner would be appropriate to determine if there might be a specific pattern imbalance in your individual situation, so that herbal therapy, if it is appropriate and recommended, would meet the needs of YOU, AS AN INDIVIDUAL. Interestingly enough, there are few different types of ginseng and each type is used for specific reasons and patterns of imbalance. Clinical herbal therapies are never randomly prescribed, so it is usually best to consult with a well-trained practitioner to help determine if and how herbal remedies might be best utilized by you to enhance health and well-being.

 

  Illnesses may be identical but the persons suffering from them are different. The emotions and the excesses affecting people are not the same.  Some people may be strong and others weak as far as Qi or the condition of their body is concerned. One's nature may be tough or soft, one's sinews and bones may be firm or brittle ... there are patients who suffer in their heart from grief and others who enjoy happiness. If one treats all those patients who appear to suffer from one identical illness with one and the same therapy, one may hit the nature of the illness but one's approach may still be exactly contraindicated by the influences of Qi that determine the condition of the individual patient's body ... Physicians therefore must carefully take into account the differences among the people and only then decide whether the therapeutic pattern they employ suits ... the individual constitution on the basis of the criteria mentioned above.

 

How are modern herbalist/acupuncturists trained?

This varies as to where each practitioner has received their education.  Generally speaking, Chinese herbalists/acupuncturists receive a minimum of 3-4 years of intensive training in this field of study. Most practitioners also have previous education in the basic sciences and continue to update their clinical knowledge and skills through post graduate training.

 

Who is allowed to practice Chinese herbalism/acupuncture in the State of Wisconsin?

The licensing of acupuncturists in Wisconsin as a separate profession began in September 1990 and is regulated by the Department of Regulation and Licensing in Madison. *To qualify for licensure, an acupuncturist must have graduated from an accredited acupuncture school where the curriculum is 2-3 years in length. He/she must also have passed both national (N.C.C.A.O.M.) and state board examinations which include clean needle technique evaluations. Under this license, qualified practitioners are also allowed to prescribe herbal remedies. The title accredited to an acupuncturist is Dipl.Ac. (Diplomat in Acupuncture), and Dipl.C.H. (Chinese Herbology) and/or Lic. Ac. (licensed acupuncturist).  Please note that Dr. Mark Ensweiler is licensed separately to practice the professions of chiropractic, acupuncture, and therapeutic bodywork, in Wisconsin. (At present, the practice of acupuncture is outside the scope of the practice of chiropractic in Wisconsin and may not be legally practiced with a chiropractic license alone).

 

Do I need a referral from my Medical Doctor to see an herbalist/acupuncturist?

Not necessarily. Licensed acupuncturists in Wisconsin are considered to be primary health care providers and do not require a medical referral to be seen. Modern herbalist/acupuncturist practitioners are well-trained professionals who are qualified to differentially analyze many health-related conditions. If a particular problem is outside the scope of treatment utilizing traditional health care practices or if there is a (previously) undiagnosed medical condition, an appropriate referral to a medical or other health care professional will be promptly provided.

 

Will my health insurance cover the costs of herbal and/or acupuncture treatment?

Presently (2006) some health insurance carriers do reimburse for acupuncture and related procedures performed by a state licensed acupuncturist.  Herbal therapies are presently not covered by most insurance policies and remain the financial responsibility of each individual patient. Many patients find that if their health insurance does not cover herbal therapy and acupuncture, their effective treatment of many health problems may result in noticeable long-term cost savings and these therapies may be an important investment in one's health and well-being.

 

Are therapeutic Oriental and Western herbs expensive to take?

The tonic herbs (ginseng, for example) tend to be a bit more expensive.  Herbal formulas can be considered cost effective and may be an important and useful investment in one's health and well-being. Compare an investment that may vary from $1-$3 per day with certain unhealthy practices that people are willing to spend money on such as cigarette smoking. Then it may be seen that therapeutic herbs and nutritional supplements are cost effective and can be an important component in dealing with modern health challenges, and improving the quality of our health and well-being.