Why take medicine?
I often prescribe natural supplements or a Chinese herbal formula to support you internally. Due to the constraints of scheduling, finances, and your busy life, most people can't receive acupuncture every day. What you can do every day is take a simple supplement that adds needed nutrients and nourishment to your blood stream. Natural medicine affects you at the cellular level, providing your body with the substances it needs in order to maintain optimal physiological function.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine is a powerful component of our clinical "toolbox" as acupuncturists. Herbal medicine training makes up a large part of our graduate studies because its effects are so beneficial. The natural pharmacy of herbal compounds has been extensively studied and practiced by herbalists in eastern and western medicine perspectives for centuries. Many, if not most, of our modern pharmaceuticals are derived from the concentrated or synthesized chemical constituents found in plants and herbs. However with herbal medicine we can avoid the side effects common to pharmaceutical medicines by utilizing the entire plant or combining it with other herbs that work in synergy to balance the effects of each compound and create a well-rounded holistic formula to address disease without creating unwanted side effects.
The greatest benefit of traditional Chinese medicine is that you are able to participate in your healing by simply taking your herbs every day. In this way I am able to help you in the days or weeks between your acupuncture treatments and you receive a mini "treatment" every time you take your formula.
Chinese herbs can be taken in a variety of ways. My most common choice is a capsule or pill form, because it is the easiest for you to incorporate into your daily routine. Other options include high-potency herbal tinctures (liquid form) or powdered herbs that can be mixed into water. The brands I work with are reputable, honest companies with the highest standards of quality production for optimal safety and potency. Your customized herbal formula is available for purchase through Wellbeing Acupuncture, either in-office or by special order. The cost for herbal formulas is typically extremely reasonable. Most formulas range from $12-30.
Vitamins, Nutrients, Supplements
While many acupuncturists focus solely on herbal medicine, I have developed an affinity for incorporating functional medicine into many treatment plans. In my clinical experience, many people have vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that contribute to their symptoms, despite having a healthy diet and lifestyle. The unfortunate truth is that our foods are depleted of nutrients by modern farming techniques and food processing. The vitamins and minerals we need to support cellular function are best supplemented by high-quality natural medicines.
Many people are shocked at how much better they feel when they start taking the supplements I recommend. Many symptoms can essentially disappear once your body has the building blocks it needs to nourish all your cells, organs, and tissues. The following common symptoms can be greatly improved by my natural medicine protocols, developed over years of clinical experience:
Muscle aches and spasms
Stiff joints
Difficulty falling asleep
Unexplained fatigue
Anxiety and heart palpitations
Skin irritation, eczema
Frequent colds
Allergies
I carry many natural supplements in-office, and also have an extremely convenient online dispensary service through Fullscript, where I can send your recommendation directly to your inbox and you can purchase online to be shipped to your door!
The benefit of purchasing supplements from these trusted reputable sources instead of big box stores such as Walmart and GNC, is that you avoid spending money on products that contain fillers, toxins, or unknown unlisted ingredients. Many products in these stores are unregulated and cannot be guaranteed to contain what they say they do. At the very least, if you are shopping at healthfood store (I have no complaints about stores such as Whole Foods, Earth Fare, or the Hendersonville Co-op), try to select the mid-price item rather than the lowest priced item, to increase the chances that you are getting a quality product.
Consultations
Herbal medicine and natural medicine recommendations are included as part of your acupuncture treatment. If you are interested in an herbal consultation without receiving acupuncture, I can absolutely provide a 30-45 minute consultation to evaluate your needs and customize a recommendation for you. The best way to schedule a consultation is by filling out the website contact form below.