Herbal medicine and acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Our moxibustion therapy warms body regions and acupuncture points, stimulating circulation and promoting the flow of qi to enhance healing and boost immune system function. The field of acupuncture in the U.S. continues to grow in visibility, patient demand and clinical effectiveness. Yet behind the curtain, many acupuncturists are quietly struggling to keep their doors open.
We don’t give herbs for “back pain” or “shoulder pain” but we use herbs for the disharmony your body is in, which has then lead to that flare up of pain. Some herbal formulas work like a direct tonic to your body, putting substance into you that your body requires to function more optimally. Herbal Medicine for Trigger Finger For myself, if I get a back pain, over the years I would always go to herbs first. While it’s actually not as hard as you might think to needle yourself, my main reason is you don’t have to stop or lie down to have herbs! There are plenty of times I’ve used both, but actually if I have pain, I would rarely just use acupuncture alone.

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Points along the Heart, Pericardium, and An Shen points are commonly targeted to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythms. Chinese herbs such as suan zao ren (sour jujube), he shou wu, and chamomile are often prescribed to nourish the blood, calm the mind, and restore proper sleep patterns. Over thousands of years, Eastern herbal medicines have precisely documented how different combinations of herbs affect the different body systems, the condition being treated, the potential side effects, and the all-important response pattern of the person.
By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore harmony to these relationships, thereby promoting healing and well being. ​The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

TCM considers the human body a self-controlled system network, attributing diseases to imbalances in “yang qi” and “yin qi,” leading to organ non-homeostasis. Acupuncture, with its 12 main meridians and 365 acupuncture points, aims to increase qi and treat specific diseases. Chinese herbal medicine, based on syndrome differentiation (“Zheng”), contrasts with the cause-oriented approach of Western medicine, aligning with Roofener’s theory that herbalists address the whole body, not just symptoms. Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with an estimated 10–15% of reproductive-aged couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
Combining acupuncture and herbs enhances fertility by addressing both the physical and energetic aspects of reproductive health. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, which are located along the meridians. These points are chosen based on the individual’s symptoms and the underlying patterns of imbalance identified by the practitioner. By stimulating these points, acupuncture helps to unblock and regulate the flow of Qi, promoting healing and restoring balance to the body. However, imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi can lead to illness or discomfort. TCM aims to restore balance to the body by harmonizing Qi through various modalities, including acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Under Australian law, acupuncturists must use pre-sterilised, single-use needles. These needles are crafted of solid, flexible stainless steel and are extremely fine, as thin as a strand of hair (around 0.2 mm wide), and not designed to penetrate arteries or veins. Once inserted into skin, fascia and muscle tissue, they may be stimulated through gentle or specific movements by the acupuncturist, sometimes with the help of an electronic pulse device (electroacupuncture). Weight loss – While there is no magic acupuncture point or treatment to help weight loss, acupuncture can help support the journey toward weight loss through relief from stress or depression, by curbing appetite, improving digestion and boosting metabolism. Allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis and the common cold – Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis, acute sinusitis and common cold, reducing nasal and eye symptoms such as itching, sneezing and blocked or runny nose.
Step into a realm of comprehensive healing with our fully stocked Chinese herbal pharmacy featuring over 300 individual herbs. Our extensive selection ensures that each patient receives precisely the herbal support they require for their unique health journey. Earn your Master of Acupuncture with Herbal Medicine specialization (MAc-HM) at NUHS. You will learn how to balance Eastern medicine with Western science and gain a deep understanding of herbal medicine. Farzaneh is passionate about health and wellbeing, and is committed to providing all her clients with the best acupuncture in Melbourne. She provides a unique treatment program for each client, after a thorough consultation, and tailors your treatment to suit your specific needs.
Accordingly, future researches with modern technologies would further advance our understanding of the biological effects and cellular/molecular bases for acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in diverse diseases. “The biggest difference between Western and traditional Chinese herbalism is that herbalists don’t treat symptoms or diseases. They treat entire human beings, including their patterns of symptoms,” says Roofener. If you are still unsure whether herbal medicine or acupuncture is right for your situation, the most direct approach is to let a practitioner assess you. Our practitioners will recommend the most suitable treatment based on your constitution and symptoms. If you are seeking treatment for pain, we will usually start with acupuncture to address the most troublesome symptoms first.

This approach could lead to a deeper understanding of the material structure of the meridian system, potentially propelling forward research in related fields. For instance, research has shown that certain herbal formulations effectively treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic hepatitis B. Consequently, modern medicine increasingly recognizes the potential benefits of TCM herbal medicine. Over the last few decades, Western culture has changed its views on healthcare, with a continuous shift in tendencies and an increasing demand for complementary and alternative medicines. These changes could be supported by the easier availability of  these health practices, and people’s beliefs, convictions and preferences have also been changing.
If you’re considering acupuncture and herbs, finding a qualified practitioner is crucial. Look for professionals who are licensed by a recognized body, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)17 in the United States or The British Acupuncture Council in the UK18. It’s equally important to verify that your herbalist or acupuncturist uses high-quality, regulated herbs to ensure safety. To avoid these risks, herbal treatments should always be prescribed by a trained herbalist who understands the complexities of TCM and modern medicine. Using both acupuncture and Chinese herbs together is a common approach for addressing a range of conditions17, from chronic illnesses to acute pain.
It aims to balance the life forces known as Qi that are responsible for different health issues. After completing the OM program you will be able to augment your Acupuncture and herbal treatment with the Chinese system of food therapy. In fact, students in the Master’s program receive the concurrently awarded degree B.S. Our herbal dispensary carries over 300 high-quality bulk Chinese herbs, consisting of both raw and prepared materials which are specially selected for each person. Instructions are provided on how to brew the loose herb formulas into a tea at home. Loose herbs, because they are in their natural state, are considered to be more potent than granulated or prepared formulas.