HERBAL MEDICINE & DIETARY THERAPY Charlotte, NC | Fort Mill, NC
Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a major aspect of traditional Chinese medicine, which focuses on restoring a balance of energy, body, and spirit to maintain health as well as treating a particular disease or medical condition. Herbs are used with the goal of restoring balance either by nourishing the body or clearing toxicity.
What does it involve?
In China, more than 3,200 herbs and 300 mineral and animal extracts are used in more than 400 different formulas. Herbal formulations may consist of 4 to 12 different ingredients, to be taken in the form of teas, powders, pills, tinctures, or syrups. Chinese herbal remedies are usually made up of a number of herbs and mineral and animal extracts. Typically, 1 or 2 herbs are included that are said to have the greatest effect on the problem being treated. Other ingredients in the formula treat minor aspects of the problem, direct the formula to specific parts of the body, and help the other herbs work more efficiently.
With the increase in popularity of herbal medicine, many Chinese herbs are now sold individually and in formulas. In the United States, Chinese herbs and herbal formulas may be purchased in health food stores, some pharmacies, and from herbal medicine practitioners.
Before choosing a mixture of herbs for a patient, the traditional Chinese practitioner will typically ask about symptoms and examine the patient, often focusing on the skin, hair, tongue, eyes, pulse, and voice, in order to detect imbalances in the body.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
My favorite thing about going to Blue Root is Dr. Soto is awesome, and has extensive knowledge in her specialty. She takes the time to listen to what is going on with your entire body, including mind, in between each session, and will adjust each treatment to fit your needs at each visit. She has plenty of resources to help get you better and the quality of her care is top notch. Here's my story… I've been going to blue root for 2 1/2 years, for chronic sinusitis, allergies, asthma, COPD and a chronic ear infection. After my 2nd sinus surgery, my ear would still not clear up, despite antibiotics and prednisone. I had a fresh start with the 2nd surgery, but needed something more than just the medications (as they didn't work alone after my first surgery). With my lengthy background, Dr. Soto took a few hours to go through my first appointment (mine was a complex case), but she was very thorough, discussing a plan and options for acupuncture, herbs, diet, and exercise. After my 2nd or 3rd acupuncture treatment, my ears opened up completely for the first time in over 6 months (before that day, they were mostly swollen and full feeling), and I knew I was on the right track. On and off, my ears would feel full, but gradually they would be less full longer and longer. My health continued to get better and better with each treatment. My breathing improved, and side effects of my (western) medications decreased dramatically. My quality of life improved significantly- my chronic cough- instead of being daily, only happens in heavier pollen seasons, and it's much more manageable. I have more energy and have been able to take up running (5k and half marathon running- I'm not fast, but I'm moving)! About two months ago, I was able to come off almost all of my herbs, as my body has been healing. I just use them as needed when I go outside for extended periods on heavy pollen days. My ears are open regularly now. I'm in the process of cutting back on my treatments because I'm not needing them as much any more. I am so grateful to Dr. Soto and her staff for helping me feel and be healthy again, more than words can describe.