Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has been practiced for over 2000 years. Like acupuncture, it views the body through the Chinese concepts of yin/yang and qi (or ch’i) and aims to correct imbalances within and between the body’s regulatory systems.
Rather than using herbs individually, CHM utilizes the synergistic effects of herb combinations in formulas that have been developed in clinical practice over the centuries, and confirmed by modern laboratory and clinical research. A Chinese herbal formula is usually modified with substitutions and additions in order to suit the individual presentation of the patient. This method increases its effectiveness while minimizing the likelihood of side effects.
A Chinese Herbal Medicine consultation involves the practitioner taking a detailed history of your health. The holistic nature of CHM means that symptoms and conditions that seem separate from your reason for coming will also be taken into account. Your practitioner will also look at your tongue and feel your pulse as these can provide important clues to any imbalances. They may also palpate certain areas of your body (e.g. abdomen, acupuncture channels of limbs, back).
Your practitioner will collate this information using Chinese Medicine differential diagnosis, which recognizes patterns of imbalance/disharmony within your body. From here, a formula is chosen in order to correct the imbalance.
Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed in a variety of ways. The strongest (but most time-consuming) method involves decocting raw herbs on the stove for a few hours (usually every 2-3 days). The strained decoction is then taken as a tea. This method is the strongest and most effective, and has the advantage of flexibility in terms of modification to suit the individual.
Granulated herbs, while not as strong as raw herbs, are more convenient.
The granules can be either placed directly in the mouth and washed down with warm water, or added to hot water to make a tea. These often come in ready-made formulas with fixed ingredients, however individual formulas can be made up when needed.
Chinese “patent” pills are commonly used herbal formulas that have been made into capsules or small honey pills. This form of CHM is the most convenient, but the formula cannot be modified to suit the individual and are less potent (i.e. generally slower acting). These are most suitable when the condition is under control and requiring maintenance, or as an adjunct to acupuncture treatment to consolidate its effects.
At Fertile Ground Health Group, our Chinese Herbal practitioners are highly qualified and registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria. They specialize in the areas of Male/Female fertility, pregnancy and family health issues and are continually updating their skills and knowledge in order to give you the safest and most up to date treatment.
Our Chinese herbalists are also registered acupuncturists and every herbal consultation will also incorporate an acupuncture treatment.
Initial Consultation (includes acupuncture treatment) $100 (plus herbs)
Return consultation (incl. acupuncture treatment) $90 (plus herbs)
Raw herb packet (lasts 2-3 days) $10 each
Granulated herbs price varies
Patent pills price varies
Please note our cancellation policy