Herbal Medicine

Shenque Healthcare has an extensive herbal pharmacy on site, formulating custom prescriptions for individual patient’s core issues and symptoms. James Hanlon AP is an herbalist.

Herbal Medicine

What is herbal medicine?

Acupuncture has now been integrated into the modern West, yet Eastern herbal medicine (Chinese Herbology), is actually older, more sophisticated, and in many cases more effective.

The two together are quite a potent combination of treatment, and have been practiced that way for thousands of years in the east.

The methods of diagnosis are similar, as are the treatment strategies.

The herbs are concentrated extracts from nature, mostly plants, roots, and barks, that through clinical observations have been proven to stimulate and aid the body in healing.

Traditional Eastern Medicine as it is known (TCM) is the world’s oldest professional medicine, its written history stretches back over 3000 years.

How do I take the Herbs?

Modern practitioners usually have an extensive herbal pharmacy with various types of herbal medication: concentrated liquids/solutions, powders, tablets and capsules. The powders and solutions are mixed in water while the capsules and tablets can be taken like a pill.

There is also a long tradition of using herbology topically(on the surface of the skin) when appropriate, and of course this depends on the issue and diagnosis.

Is there a difference between Western herbal medicine and Eastern herbal medicine?

Absolutely. There are important distinctions here: like a lot of western drug therapies,

Western herbolgy generally treats diseases or symptoms, such as colds, flus, headaches, stomach aches, urinary tract infections, etc.

Whereas Eastern herbology is not only addressing the particular disease or pattern of symptoms, but evaluates and treats the individual patient’s fundamental constitution and particular way of having the disease or symptoms.

Ten patients can come in for headaches and get ten different herbal formulas, all customized for their unique and particular manifestation of the headache at that moment in time.

Western herbal medicine mostly addresses one symptom or disease at a time, and uses a single herb or small group of herbs for treatment. Eastern herbology treats what is effectively called the “root” and the “branch” of disease, the branch being the symptom whereas the root is the cause of the symptom. The cause of the disease.

Both Eastern herbology and acupuncture address the underlying patterns and causes of disease, not just the obvious symptoms.

Formulas might have anywhere from 4 to 24 individual herbs in them, and qualified herbalists can add or subtract herbs to customize the formula or dosage to the patients particular requirements.

Where are the herbs from?

Most of the herbs originate in China, although Eastern herbology includes herbs from different parts of the world. Only about 20% are from outside China.

If Eastern Herbology is from the east, will it work for western patients?

If Eastern Herbology is from the east, will it work for western patients?

A: Yes, Eastern herbal medicine works magnificently for western patients. Eastern herbal medicine has been used with great success all over the world, and is actually part of a global network of cultures that address disease with natural substances.

Do Eastern herbal medicines have side effects?

Most Eastern herbal medicine has an extremely low incidence of any side effects whatsoever, compared to common over-the-counter Western drugs, and is infinitely safer than prescription medication.

When prescribed correctly, the formulas should have few, if any side effects, only positive and beneficial healing results.

If you experience any discomfort while taking Eastern herbal medicine, stop taking the formula and call your practitioner. They can modify the formula in content or in dosage so that the desired healing effect can take place safely and naturally.

What is Eastern Herbology good for?

Respiratory Disorders
Flus, colds, coughs, chronic and acute phlegm disorders, immune issues, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal drip, allergies, environmental sensitivities.

Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Dry eyes, tearing, toothaches, gum issues, earaches, tinnitus, infections, immunity, sinus inflammation, sinus congestion, nasal inflammation or dryness, sore throat, loss of voice.

Digestive Disorders
Digestive tract issues acute or chronic, weak digestion, acid reflux, inflammation of the stomach, duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, bacterial dysentery, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, bloating.

Muscular System disorders and Nervous System disorders
Headache, Insomnia, migraines, facial paralysis or nerve pain, weakness after a stroke, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, cervical spine pain, thoracic spine pain, low back pain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis.

Gynecological Disorders
Painful menstruation, amenorrhea, PMS, menopause, andropause, fertility issues, frequent urination, inhibited urination, vaginal discharge, kidney pain or weakness.

Depression, Addictions, and Mood Disorders
Depression, anxiety, mania, bipolar disorder, PTSD, dissociative disorders, mood disorders, detox from psychotropic medication, detox from alcohol, drugs, cigarettes.

Recuperative Therapy/Sports Therapy
Herbology can be used to treat many issues: any joint pain, post surgical pain and rehab, hip, knee pain, ankle pain, neck and shoulder tension, upper, mid, and low back pain, sprains and strains, taxation fatigue, as well as maintenance during endurance training.

Can women take Chinese herbs if they are pregnant?

Absolutely, there is a long tradition of treating pregnant women with herbology, for problems specifically concerning their pregnancy, as well as other issues they may have while being pregnant.

Is Eastern Herbology OK for Children?

Pediatrics is a specialty within the context of Eastern herbology.

Children respond quickly and naturally to this form of treatment, the herbs often getting administered in there juice in reduced dosages.

How long does it take to see results with Eastern Herbology?

Some patients respond quickly – within a few minutes or hours. For others it may take a few days to a few weeks.

More chronic conditions may require taking the herbs for a long time, yet progress of some kind should be noticeable to the patient and practitioner alike.

How do I know if a practitioner is appropriately trained in Eastern Herbology?

Eastern herbal medicines are safe when prescribed by a licensed Acupuncture Physician, and should be taken seriously because they are strong medicine.

Patients should ask if the practitioner is licensed or certified, where did they receive their training, how long was the training, how long have they been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient’s specific issues.