Herbal medicine offers safe, time-tested, and effective treatment strategies that address the root cause of health concerns without the side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals. Unlike medications that frequently require lifelong use to manage symptoms, herbal remedies are designed for temporary use to correct physiological imbalances. Once the imbalance is corrected, the need to continue using a herbal prescription dissipates.
One of the most remarkable aspects of herbal medicine is its ability to provide customizable prescriptions. Each formula is modified to the individual’s unique constitution, health history, and specific needs. By targeting the root cause of an imbalance, these prescriptions create a strategic path to recovery.
Additionally, herbal medicine works in synergy with the body, targeting not just the symptoms but the underlying patterns of disharmony and constitutional weaknesses. Once this therapeutic task is achieved, a new prescription may target the following pattern or set of patterns that have now become more prevalent. So, the same patient may receive two different prescriptions over time for the same problem, depending on how the clinical situation unfolds.
In Herbal Medicine, we utilize a pattern differentiation system of diagnosis that adheres to its unique set of principles. A ‘pattern’ comprehensively describes a state of disharmony within a specific channel or organ in the body. A ‘pattern’ encompasses not only physical symptoms but also reflects the status of Qi (vital force), Blood, Yin (cooling principle), Yang (warming principle), and body fluids. There is a finite number of these patterns, and herbalists have recognized and developed efficient strategies to treat these patterns.
When we deal with complex cases, we do it in the framework of pattern diagnosis. A complex case may look like a set of various patterns that are staggered and interlaced with one another. The goal of a skilled herbalist is to identify these patterns and create a strategy how to eliminate them in the most efficient way. Resolution of patterns inevitably leads to the alleviation of symptoms and favorable changes in lab results. Pattern diagnosis relies on three aspects: Tongue Diagnosis, Pulse Diagnosis, and Medical History.
Observing the tongue is a central diagnostic practice in Herbal Medicine. It helps us identify the state of different organs and prevalent tendencies in the body. Different areas of the tongue reflect different organs. We observe the color (pale, red, purple), shape (swollen, thin, cracked), coating (thick, thin, absent), moisture (dry, moist), and texture (smooth, rough) to understand the status of organs in the body. Along with the appearance of sublingual veins (distended, normal), the tongue’s appearance helps us identify patterns of disharmony that would guide our treatment.
Pulse diagnosis is a unique practice of tactile assessment of the pulse at the radial artery. This mysterious practice is transmitted from teacher to student, from generation to generation, and it takes years to master. Puse qualities reflect the body’s Qi and Blood flow. Practitioners palpate the pulse’s rate (fast, slow), rhythm (regular, irregular), strength (strong, weak), depth (superficial, deep), and width (wide, thin) to identify patterns of disharmony and guide treatment. Different pulse qualities correspond to different organ states and pathological processes.
A detailed medical history is an essential part of pattern diagnosis. We base inquiry on the Eight Principles. Eight Principles questioning explores a patient’s condition through paired opposites: Has the condition’s onset been recent or long-standing (Acute/Chronic)? Is the patient experiencing chills or fever (Cold/Heat)? Are their symptoms excessive or deficient (Excess/Deficiency)? Are the symptoms located internally or externally (Interior/Exterior)? Are the symptoms related to a Yin or Yang aspect of the body (Yin/Yang)? This questioning helps differentiate the nature and location of a health issue.
Once we schedule your herbal consultation, we will send you the forms with a questionnaire to fill out. We kindly ask that you arrive at your appointment a few minutes early to start on time and have some time for questions at the end of the appointment. Please send us the list of all medications and supplements you are taking, including dosages. If you have any lab work or diagnostic tests from other practitioners, please get those as well.
For remote consults, please send us a picture of your tongue taken in daylight along with the questionnaire.
Herbal medicine is a complicated body of knowledge that relies on a unique system of diagnosis and treatment. Chinese herbal medicine depends on various subtle treatment strategies unknown in Western medicine. For example, Western medicine primarily antagonizes pathogens or symptoms. Hence the names of the medication: pain killers, antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-acids, etc. In Chinese herbal medicine, we use herbal remedies that nourish, harmonize, drain, dissipate, transform, invigorate, to name a few methods. A practitioner should have a very clear idea about the nature of the pathogenic factor and the status of the patient’s health to prescribe a correct herbal formulation. Hence, a practitioner has to ask questions regarding the symptoms and history of illness to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
Many herbal formulas have been around for hundreds, and some for thousands of years. For example, a Treatise on Cold-Induced Disorders was published almost two millennia ago. It discusses some fifty herbal formulas still in use today because of their unparalleled effectiveness. Over the years, doctors collected much clinical information regarding these formulas and their applications. Herbs, when used correctly, are very potent curative agents that can fight disease and help support wellness and good health, manage stress, and even elevate your consciousness. Hence a thorough consultation is an essential part of the process.
When it comes to herbal medicine, experience plays a vital role. The herbal industry is flooded with sub-par herbal products that misrepresent and misapply herbal medicine. As a result, many patients receive inadequate treatment because they consume either low-quality herbs or inappropriate herbs for their situation. There is no room for error or misinterpretation with herbalism. Herbalists must have a deep understanding of combining herbal ingredients based on thousands-of years-old knowledge passed down throughout generations before prescribing herbal treatment correctly.
People from all over the world contact our clinic every day. We have over 24 years of experience in the field of herbal medicine, and you can rely on our expertise to help you get on the path to better health. If you are interested in herbal consultations, please contact our clinic for more information. You can book an appointment online or by phone.
Q: What types of herbal remedies do you use, including their benefits and side effects?
We use the best quality herbal products and primarily prescribe granulated herbs. These are easy to take and have a long shelf life. All herbal formulas come with a complete list of ingredients and instructions on how to take them. The benefits of herbal medicine are vast and include fighting disease, supporting wellness and good health, managing stress, and even elevating your consciousness. However, as with any form of medicine, there are potential side effects associated with herbal remedies. It is essential to consult with a qualified practitioner before starting any herbal treatment to avoid adverse reactions. There are should be no negative side effects associated with herbal formulas. They are safe for everybody to use. [1]
Q: Are Chinese herbal treatments safe?
Generally speaking, Chinese herbal therapeutics are very safe and prescribed to young children, adults, pregnant women, and senior citizens. However, certain herbs may present a risk when prescribed inappropriately or may interact with other medications you may be taking. We are aware of these herbs and always make sure that we know your health history and have the whole list of medicines and supplements you are taking to avoid even the mildest side-effect. We can also offer some simple suggestions that might minimize these risks if necessary.
Q: Is herbal medicine safe for pregnant women?
Yes, herbal medicine is safe for pregnant women when prescribed by a qualified herbalist. Many herbal remedies have been safely used for centuries to support pregnancy and childbirth. However, it is always essential to consult with an herbalist before taking any herbs during pregnancy.
Q: What kind of herbal remedies are out there?
Hierarchically speaking, there are three tiers of herbs. In the top tier are the gentleman herbs. They have a mild temperature and taste. These herbs are gentle and effective; Many adaptogen herbs belong to this category. These herbs enhance the quality of life and promote longevity and prevent disease. Mostly anyone can take these herbs for a long time.
The second tier consists mostly of herbs that harmonize the body. These herbs are also mild, but they can not nourish the body. However, these herbs can clear some pathogenic factors.
The last tier is the potent herbs, indicated for more acute health concerns such as cancer, acute and chronic infections, and autoimmune diseases. They have potent actions and typically a relatively hot or cold nature. We prescribe these herbs only for a short time.
Q: What are the benefits of herbal medicine?
The benefits of herbal medicine come from every herbal formula we prescribe intended to balance a person. Some herbs work better than others, depending on your unique condition. Herbal medicine focuses not only on eradicating the disease but also on balancing your body. As a result of balance, many health issues disappear, and we can prevent illness before it manifests. Another significant aspect of this approach is that herbal medicine treatment is free of side effects. [2]
Q: What are popular herbal remedies for common health concerns?
There are many common health concerns herbalists can help you to address. Often clients want us to develop a treatment plan and treat a disease associated with poor digestion, sleep issues, headaches, blood sugar imbalances, lingering coughs, boosting immunity, PMS, hot flashes, low energy, and several other health issues.
There are herbal tinctures to treat skin problems such as acne and eczema. Internally, there are formulas that focus on digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and other dietary concerns like obesity or anorexia. Herbal medicine can also help with common health issues like insomnia or anxiety.
Relief of common colds and flu is one of the most sought-after services herbalists provide. Often, a simple herbal formula can help to shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
We will ask you to speak about your health history, present concerns, and assess your vital reserves during your first consultation. This assessment allows us to outline a correct treatment strategy for you that is reflected in your herbal formula. We may also give recommendations regarding dietary changes or lifestyle choices that can help enhance healing.
Typically, we prescribe the formula for a specific amount of time, such as three to six weeks. It would help if you also stayed on a simple diet that we will discuss with you during this time. If necessary, you may want to schedule a follow-up consultation once you finish the formula. A follow-up consultation is only required in complicated cases to assess your progress and make necessary changes to the herbal formula if needed. We will also ask you to report any changes in your symptoms to see your progress.
Pre-pay for the consultation (24-hour refund policy). We will send you a link to a ½ hour video or phone call with Andre Yershov, L. Ac. He will go over your personalized health history and make health recommendations and nutrition advice. Next, we will send you your remedy from our trusted herbal dispensary. If you have any questions along the way, you may schedule a 15 minutes follow-up call.
Once we schedule your herbal consultation, we will send you the forms with a questionnaire to fill out. We kindly ask that you arrive at your appointment a few minutes early to start on time and have some time for questions at the end of the appointment. Please send us the list of all medications and supplements you are taking, including dosages. If you have any lab work or diagnostic tests from other practitioners, please get those as well.
For remote consults, please send us a picture of your tongue taken in daylight along with the questionnaire.
By Gassan&Edmunt – Copyright © Acupuncture NYC 2021
