Classical Chinese Medicine
A 5 minute read by Kat M. Lui, LAc
Welcome to the world of Chinese herbal formulas.
The ancient art of Chinese medicine has been cultivated across centuries and continents. At Wise Mountain Medicine, we practice Classical Chinese Medicine, which means we go to the source texts for our guidance. Some of the formulas we prescribe are thousands of years old.
When you take a formula, you are utilizing ancient wisdom for modern health. Chinese herbal formulas are made up of natural, sustainably sourced, carefully prepared ingredients, primarily from plants, but sometimes include animal and mineral ingredients. For over 2000 years, the art and science of Chinese herbal medicine has been evolving and responding to the changing needs of humanity. The fact that some formulas have remained unchanged over millenia points to its vast array of applications, as well as the safety and effectiveness of the medicine.
Formulas are made up of a few to more than a dozen herbs. The herbs are prepared using various traditional methods (dried, wine fried, baked, steamed, etc.) that augment their medicinal properties. A group of herbs is then combined (called a formula) and decocted in a way that yields a synergistic therapeutic effect. We typically use the Classical Pearls line, which are the highest quality herbs we can find. What you see in your bottle are granules, or the desiccated form of the formula. They are either encapsulated and taken with room temp water or they are loose granules to be dissolved in hot water (yum!).
There is another way to take your herbs, and that is to process and boil them yourself, using the bulk forms (like the image above). However, I can attest from a number of mishaps that simmer-boiling your bulk herbs for loooong periods of time does not lend itself to a modern multi-tasking lifestyle!
I’ve received my herbs, now what?
Congratulations! We hope you will enjoy your journey to improved health!
Capsules: Take the dosage recommended by your practitioner, with enough water to swallow the capsules. Alternatively, you can open up the capsules and add them to hot water, following the instructions for granules. Pat yourself on the back for taking care of your health.
Granules: Shake your bottle of herbs before each use. Find your daily dosage at the bottom of the formula label and add the prescribed number of scoops to a non-aluminum cup. Boil water, and pour it over the herbs. Stir the formula until the herbs are dissolved. Drink, and enjoy your daily treatment.
How much water should I use? Start with about 4-6 ounces, but feel free to adjust to taste.
With or without food? One hour away from food is best, but 30 minutes is also fine.
Too hot? Add cool water once the granules have dissolved.
Don’t like the flavor? Make it into a shot! Add less water, hold your nose, down it, and chase it with a glass of water. Do not add sweeteners, as that alters the medicinal properties of the formula.
Questions? Contact your acupuncturist. They picked this formula for your unique needs, and they’re more than happy to walk you through the process.
