Herbal Medicine
Herbal Medicine
Herbal formulas are customized to your individual condition to maximize your recovery
Chinese herbs are natural whole foods, mostly consisting of the aerial and root parts of plants. This includes root, tubers, seeds, leaves, and stems.
Extensive study has been conducted on the physiological properties of herbs. Herbs have been shown to:
- increase circulation
- decrease inflammation
- regulate the digestive system
- reduce pain
- calm the central nervous system
- regulate hormonal function
Chinese Herbal Medicine is designed to affect your physiology – ie, how your body functions. Chinese herbs are not designed to be a permanent medication. As your condition improves, we will taper you off your herbs. The goal is to improve your function (physiology) by at least 80-90% during the course of your treatment.
Are Herbs right for you?
During your initial consultation, we will determine what the best course of treatment is for you- Acupuncture, Herbs or a combination.
In general, herbal medicine is better suited for internal medicine conditions- Sleep, Digestive disorders, Women’s Health/Fertility, Headaches/Migraines.
For pain conditions, if you’d had pain greater than 3 months, a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine may be appropriate.
Benefits of Herbs
- Customized to your individual condition based on your unique physiology
- Convenient and easy to take on the go
- Easily modifiable as your condition changes
- NOT designed to be a permanent medication like may prescriptions
“I am better able to deal with stress, my sleep quality has improved and Mark has been able to help me with a number of issues from allergies to digestion.”
“After many years of suffering with digestive issues, I found permanent relief via the acupuncture treatment Mark provides. Through treatment sessions and Chinese herbs, I am regular and do not suffer from gas and bloating. I also have more energy.”
“After a few acupuncture sessions I saw signs of change in my sleep and headaches. I am sleeping much better and for my headaches, I have not had an aspirin/Tylenol for 5 months as I write this.”
“I cannot say enough good things about Mark and how professional he is. There is a gentleness about him that complements his knowledge of acupuncture and truly makes his techniques effective … If you are going through IVF, I highly recommend that you see Mark.”
“I first started acupuncture with Mark to help heal a heel spur and the resulting plantar fasciitis. From the first session Mark was extremely easy to work with. Thanks to Mark, I am back on the streets jogging and improving the pain I experience week to week.”
“I was recommended to see Mark Whalen at Five Points Acupuncture and Wellness by a loyal friend. I had a sharp pain in my lower back which made it difficult to walk. After five appointments with Mark, I am pain-free and walking fine.”
Understanding How Personalized Herbal Medicine Works
Unlike over-the-counter supplements or one-size-fits-all remedies, Chinese herbal medicine is designed around your body’s unique physiology, not just a diagnosis. We’re not treating anxiety or IBS or Infertility- we’re treating YOU.
- We treat the pattern, not just the problem. In Chinese Medicine we diagnose and treat based on patterns of dysfunction. Two people can have the same condition — headaches, anxiety, digestive issues, or irregular cycles — for completely different underlying reasons. Your formula is built to correct your body’s specific pattern of imbalance so your system can return to normal function.
- Your formula changes as your body changes. As you begin to improve, your needs shift. The herbs are adjusted to match your progress — strengthening what’s weak, calming what’s overactive, and helping your system rebalance naturally.
- It’s about restoring function, not suppressing symptoms. The goal isn’t to cover up discomfort but to support the body’s own healing processes — digestion, circulation, hormone balance, and stress response — so the improvements last.
- Herbs work synergistically. Each formula contains a combination of herbs that work together — some target the main issue, others support digestion, absorption, and safety. It’s a balanced approach that minimizes side effects.
FAQ
Are the herbs safe?
Studying Chinese herbal medicine requires years to complete and our herb suppliers go through rigorous Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are tested for purity and proper identification per FDA standards. Chinese herbal medicine is extremely safe and effective when used under the direction of a licensed professional.
Your practitioner will discuss dietary restrictions you may have as well as any medication you are taking prior to providing your herbal formula. It is amazing how powerful Chinese herbs can be at helping you reach your health goals.
Can I order these online?
No. When ordering online, we have no way of knowing the quality or safety of what you are ordering. Your formulas is customized for you and will change/adapt as your condition changes.
How long do I need to take herbs?
Herbs are not designed to be a permanent medication. We expect you to feel better within the first couple of weeks. Treatment time will depend on the length and severity of your condition, as well as your compliance in taking the herbs.