Herbal Medicine
Rachel uses many differernt sources and distributors of herbal remedies and when needed will customize a formula for you in the a raw herb form, powders or capsules.
Herbal medicine is itself a powerful method of healing. Western drugs often control symptoms, but do not alter the disease process (antibiotics eliminate bacteria but does not improve a person's resistance to infection; diuretics remove excess fluid without improving kidney function). Chinese herbs treat the underlying condition as defined by traditional diagnosis, and rarely cause unwanted side-effects.
Just as soil becomes depleted through overuse, so does Qi, Moisture and Blood are eroded by overwork, emotional tension, mental strain, too much or too little exercise, and inadequate diet or rest, impairing the capacity of the Organ Networks to do their jobs.
How Chinese Herbs Work
Some examples are: fatigue which often results from a lack of Qi, herbs that nourish the Qi have an energizing effect. Since blurry vision, restless sleep, and irritability result from depleted Blood, Blood-enriching herbs improve vision, sleep, and equanimity. Since dry skin and dehydration arise from insufficient Moisture, herbs that replenish it soften the skin and relieve an otherwise unquenchable thirst.
Herbs assist the Organ Networks in the performance of their tasks. Particular herbs enhance the capacity of the Heart to propel the blood and soothe the mind, the Spleen (or pancreas) to manage digestion (through enzymatic activity) and fluid equilibrium, the Lung to handle respiration and body's defenses, the Liver to maintain resilient emotions and supple limbs, and Kidney to sustain sexual and regenerative power. Some herbal formulas address ailments such as colds, allergies, inflammations, or cramps with dramatic and immediate results, while others fortify body reserves over time.
Herbs are given in standard combinations or formulas of approximately 4 - 15 herbs and are prescribed based on TCM Pattern Diagnosis and administered in raw, capsule or powder (granules) form.
Herbal prescription - Many people are looking for a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs today. After a thorough intake of the patient's chief complaint's and history, Rachel constructs a customized herbal prescription, known as formulas, to address the chief complaint. Unlike western drugs, these formulas are made by combining different herbs to offer a synergistic restorative effect for your chief complaint as well as addressing the underlying cause of the complaint. The herbs are also combined in a manner to inhibit side effects often experienced with western drugs. Because they are natural, they are also generally much gentler to the body and allow the body to slowly begin the healing process.
Types
Herbal Pills: Variety of formulations are available ranging from soft gels to reduce Cholesterol to fertility and conception formulations. Herbal prescriptions are also available for digestive, Hormonal and Endocrine conditions, Pain, Arthritis, Depression, Anxiety, and other disorders.
Tinctures: Concentrated extracts in tincture form are available for easy consumption. These tinctures are made from top grade ancient herbal formulations. Prescriptions are available for many conditions including internal cleansing, low energy, fatigue, premature aging, graying, hair loss, insomnia, depression, menopause and premenstrual disorders. This is the method Rachel prescribes herbal formulas to pediatric patients.
Ointments and creams: Specialized botanical creams are used to treat variety of skin disorders ranging from Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, Allergic dermatitis. also specialized formulations for pigmentation and fine wrinkle reduction. These creams, when combined with acupuncture treatments, produce good results.