हर्बल चिकित्सा

Herbal medicine at Lane Cove Acupuncture is built around three principles: reading the pulse, prescribing from the classical formula tradition and addressing the underlying cause rather than the label alone.

Starting with the pulse

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, assesses the pulse on both wrists before any herbs are chosen. What she finds is considered together with your tongue, how you sleep, eat and feel, and your medical history. Our page on what pulse diagnosis is explains the method.

The classical formula tradition

Prescriptions draw on classical formulas from the Han dynasty writings of Zhang Zhong Jing, a foundational teacher of Chinese medicine. Dr Shen adjusts each formula to suit you, then revisits it at follow-up appointments. See our Chinese herbal medicine page for granule and raw herb options.

Treating what lies underneath

In Chinese medicine, the same complaint can arise from different patterns, so two patients may leave with different prescriptions. Herbs may help support your health and can sit alongside your GP's care, never in place of it.

Before you start

• Keep your GP informed about all medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbs you use, and share the same list with Dr Shen.
• Herbs and prescription drugs can interact, which is why your medications are checked before a formula is written.
• Tell us if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding; some herbs are not suitable then.

For more, read about the safety of Chinese herbal medicine and Dr Shen, or get in touch to arrange a consultation at our Lane Cove clinic.