Services
Herbal medicine
A herbal formula is a blend of dried roots, bark, seeds and leaves, usually cooked into a tea. In Korean it is called hanyak. Your acupuncturist chooses one after a pattern assessment, and only if you want one.
Who usually comes in
People who like a daily routine between visits, or who grew up with hanyak at home. Some come only for acupuncture and never take a formula, and that is a fine way to be a patient here.
What a visit is like, in order
Some formulas taste bitter or earthy. Mild stomach upset can happen, and you should tell us and stop the formula if it does.
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Step 1: We ask what you take
Before any formula, your acupuncturist asks for a list of every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin and herb you use.
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Step 2: We choose a formula
The formula is based on your pattern assessment, your habits and your list, and your acupuncturist explains each part in plain words.
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Step 3: You take it as directed
Most formulas are cooked into a tea. We show you how, and what to do if it does not agree with you.
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Step 4: We check in
At your next visit we ask how it went, change it if needed, and stop it when it has done its work.
Tell us first
Say any of these before a formula is chosen, and again if anything changes.
Every medicine and supplement
Prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins and other herbs. Bring a list.
Pregnancy or nursing
Many herbs are avoided. Tell us before any formula is chosen.
Blood thinners
Some herbs change how a blood thinner works, so we check first.
Liver or kidney conditions
Tell us, and tell the doctor who looks after them.
Allergies
Name any food, plant or medicine allergy, however mild.
Surgery or a procedure coming up
Tell your surgeon about every herb you take, and tell us the date.
How many visits, and what this does not do
Plans vary. A formula is usually taken for a set number of days, and your acupuncturist looks at it again at each visit. You can stop whenever you like.
What it does not do
Herbal formulas are not a replacement for your doctor's care or for any medicine you were prescribed. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own; ask the person who prescribed it. Herbs are sold as dietary products, and we make no promise about what a formula will do.
When to see a doctor instead
See your doctor or an urgent care center 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.