Chinese Herbal Medicine in Adelaide

What Chinese herbal medicine is

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the main branches of traditional Chinese medicine. Rather than a single remedy for a named complaint, it works through combinations of herbs — a formula — chosen for the pattern a person presents with. A formula typically contains several herbs that are balanced against one another, and it is adjusted over the course of care.

In Australia, Chinese herbal medicine is a registered health profession. Practitioners must meet the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia’s standards for training, continuing professional development and professional conduct.

How a formula is prescribed for you

Prescribing starts with a consultation rather than a product. We take a full health history, ask about your medications, supplements and existing diagnoses, and use traditional diagnostic methods including pulse and tongue examination.

Two people who share a Western diagnosis are often prescribed quite different formulas, because the prescription follows the whole presentation. This is also why an off-the-shelf product bought without a consultation is a different proposition from a prescribed formula.

Granules, capsules and how you take them

We dispense concentrated herbal granules and capsules manufactured to GMP standards. Granules dissolve in warm water and are measured out per formula, which makes an individually prescribed prescription practical to take each day. Capsules suit people who would rather not taste the formula.

Your formula is reviewed at each follow-up visit and changed as your situation changes. Most people are given a supply to cover the period until their next review.

What people consult us about

People commonly come to us about digestive complaints, sleep and stress, women’s health and menstrual concerns, skin conditions, and general energy and wellbeing.

Chinese herbal medicine is a complementary therapy. It sits alongside the care of your GP or specialist rather than replacing it, and we will say so plainly when a presentation needs medical assessment instead of, or before, herbal treatment.

Safety, medications and scope

Herbs are active, which is the point of them — and it is also why prescribing them needs care. We ask what medications and supplements you take so your formula can be considered alongside them, and we will ask you to keep your GP informed. Tell us if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be.

Individual responses vary, and we cannot tell you in advance how you will respond. If something is not helping, we would rather change course or refer you on than continue.

Your first consultation

A first herbal consultation takes about 30 minutes and covers your history, current health, and what you are hoping to address. Follow-up reviews are shorter. Bring a list of any medications and supplements you take, and any recent test results you have.