“She has … curated beautiful herbs to help me sleep, and given me relief for my neck. I always leave my sessions refreshed, balanced, and at peace.”Stephanie, patient
Chinese Herbal Medicine in Norwood, MA Custom herbal formulas to support your body’s balance
Chinese herbal medicine has a few thousand years of history. Yuanling Liu, L.Ac., Dipl. AHM, is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Norwood. She prepares herbal formulas for your specific needs, to support your healing every day between visits.
What is Chinese herbal medicine?
Daily support from nature
Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. For a few thousand years, practitioners have used plants and other natural substances to restore balance and support the body’s healing and recovery.
A customized herbal formula provides daily support for a wide range of chronic and acute health issues, from digestion, sleep, colds, and allergies to women’s health, general wellness, and de-stressing.
Yuanling prepares each formula for the person in front of her, not for a diagnosis on a chart. She adjusts it as your body changes and responds.
The Chinese medicine view
Why a formula, and not a single herb
Herbs work together
A formula combines several herbs, and each one has a role. Like streams that join to feed one river, they work together to nourish the body and restore the flow of Qi.
Made for your pattern
Two people with the same complaint can have different patterns of imbalance. So they may receive different formulas. Your formula is based on your body, not only your symptoms.
Changes as you change
As your body regains balance, its needs change. Yuanling reviews your progress at each follow-up and adjusts the formula to match where you are now.
The goal is the same as in all of Chinese medicine: help the body return to balance and harmony, so it can do its own healing.
How does it work?
Getting your herbal formula
Herbs can be your main treatment or part of a plan that includes acupuncture and NAET. Either way, it starts with a conversation about your health.
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An herbal consultation
Yuanling asks about your health history, your symptoms, and your daily habits. She evaluates the energetic system of your body to identify your pattern of imbalance.
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Your custom formula
She prepares a formula for your pattern and explains how and when to take it. Please tell her about any medications and supplements you take, so she can choose herbs that fit safely.
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Check in and adjust
At follow-ups, in person or by phone, Yuanling checks how you are responding and adjusts the formula as needed.
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Lifestyle and eating habits
She also gives directions on lifestyle and eating habits to best support your body’s healing and recovery.
A case of inspiration
More refreshed in the morning
42 years old H, has a very sensitive body, stressful work environment, and difficulty falling asleep which has worsened this past year. She did not like the drowsy feeling all next morning after taking sleeping medicine from her doctor.
She started acupuncture treatment and was able to sleep well for 2 nights after each treatment, and then I had her start on some Chinese herbal medicine one dose at night. It took her less than 10 minutes to fall asleep, as she slept better, and she was able to handle work stress and life much better.
She took the herbs consistently for three months and as needed thereafter, and she enjoys her monthly “tone up” acupuncture treatment. Her comment was:
“I like the bitter tasting herbs, because they are all natural substances, my body can handle it much easier, and there is no drowsy effect. In fact, now I feel more refreshed in the morning.”
One patient’s experience. Results vary from person to person.
Conditions
What herbal medicine can help with
Herbal formulas can support both long-standing (chronic) and recent (acute) health issues. These are some of the most common reasons patients come to us for herbs.
Herbs often work alongside acupuncture and NAET allergy treatment. Yuanling also carries a small selection of quality supplements, which she recommends when they fit your plan.
Herbs work alongside your medical care
Herbs are a complementary therapy and do not replace care from your doctor. Some herbs can interact with medications, so please tell Yuanling about every medication and supplement you take, and let her know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. Keep taking any medication you have been prescribed, and talk to the doctor who prescribed it before making changes.
Your herbalist
Yuanling Liu, L.Ac., Dipl. AHM
Yuanling has been a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Massachusetts since 2006. She is certified by the NCBAHM, the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (formerly NCCAOM). She returns to China every year to continue her study of Chinese Medicine.
She provides customized herbal formulation as needed, and helps you understand the energetics of your body, so you can support its natural healing ability.
What herbal care costs
Most insurance plans do not cover herbal consultations, but you can usually use your health flexible spending account (FSA). If you would like to use your benefits, call us and we will help you find what works best.
- Initial herbal consultation$120
- Follow-up or phone consultation$35
- Herbal formula$35 per week
What is in an herbal formula?
A formula combines several herbs chosen for your pattern. Most are parts of plants, such as roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds. If you are interested in knowing what is in your formula and why, Yuanling will explain it to you.
How does an herbal formula taste?
It tastes bitter, but less bitter than black coffee, with some earthy flavors. If you would like help with the taste, ask Yuanling for her “tricks.”
Do I need to cook the herbs?
No. Your herbs come as an extract powder that dissolves easily in warm to hot water.
How long will I take herbs?
It varies, depending on the condition, how long you have had it, and how you respond. A recent issue such as a cold may need only a short course. A long-standing issue usually takes longer. Formulas are priced by the week, and Yuanling adjusts yours as you go.
Can I take herbs with my medication?
Often, yes, but some herbs can interact with medications. Tell Yuanling about every medication and supplement you take, so she can choose herbs that fit safely. Keep taking any prescribed medication, and talk to your doctor before making changes.
Can I take herbs during pregnancy?
Some herbs are not suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Let Yuanling know if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding, and she will take that into account.
Do I need acupuncture to get herbs?
No. You can book an herbal consultation on its own. Many patients combine herbs with acupuncture and NAET, because they support each other: treatment works during your visit, and herbs continue the work at home.
Can follow-ups be done by phone?
Yes. After your first consultation, follow-ups can be in person or by phone. A phone consultation is $35.
Curious whether herbs could help you?
We would be glad to talk with you about your health and whether an herbal formula is a good fit. Booking online takes a minute.