Services
Chinese herbs (zhong yao)
A herb formula is a written blend of roots, barks, flowers and seeds chosen for you. Your acupuncturist writes it after the visit, and our pharmacy weighs it, packs it and shows you how to prepare it. The formula is yours, not a shelf product.
Who comes in, and what you may feel afterward
Who usually comes in
People who already come for acupuncture and want something to take between visits, and people who prefer to start with herbs. Many bring a parent's old formula and ask us to read it.
What you may feel afterward
Some people notice nothing for a while, and some notice a change in appetite or digestion. Loose stools, nausea or a rash are not normal for a formula: stop it and call us the same day.
How a formula is made, in order
From your visit to a bag you can take home.
- 01
Step 1: You bring a list
Bring everything else you take: prescription medicines, vitamins, over-the-counter products, other herbs and teas.
- 02
Step 2: We write the formula
Your acupuncturist writes it after your visit and explains what each herb is for, in your language.
- 03
Step 3: The pharmacy fills it
Yuk or a pharmacy assistant weighs each herb on a balance and packs it. You can ask to see any herb in your formula.
- 04
Step 4: We show you how to prepare it
Raw herbs are simmered, granules are stirred into hot water, pills are taken as written. We check in at your next visit.
Tell us first
Some herbs are not suitable in these situations. Tell us before we write a formula, and again if anything changes.
Pregnancy or nursing
Many herbs are avoided. If you are, or might be, tell us before anything is written.
Blood thinners
A few herbs change how these medicines work. Your acupuncturist goes through your list with you.
Prescription medicines
Bring every one, with the dose. Ask your own prescriber too, and never stop a medicine on our word.
Liver or kidney conditions
These organs clear what you take in, so we choose with extra care or leave herbs out.
Allergies
Tell us about food, pollen and herb allergies, including nuts, seeds and shellfish.
A surgery coming up
Some herbs are stopped a week or two beforehand. Tell us the date and your surgeon's advice.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Most people take a formula for a few weeks and then review it with their acupuncturist, who may change it, pause it or stop it. It is a plan, not a promise, and you can stop whenever you like.
What it doesn't do, and when to see a doctor instead
It does not replace your doctor's care, and we do not prescribe medicine or ask you to stop yours. We do not promise a result: people respond differently. See your doctor or an urgent care clinic first for chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, a sudden severe headache, or a fever with a stiff neck. In an emergency, call 911.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.