Chinese herbal medicines

Chinese Herbal Medicine in Houston, TX - Alt Therapies Center

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines originated in China more than 3000 years ago and makes it one of the oldest systems of medicines in the world. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are one of the two important branches of Traditional Chinese medicine alongside Tai chi, Qi gong, nutrition and massage (Tui na) to support natural balance. At Alt Therapies Center, Chinese herbal medicines are prescribed as part of a personalized treatment plan aimed at treating the root cause of disease rather than just addressing the symptoms.

What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbs mainly consist of plants and some mineral and animal ingredients. It is used to correct disharmony in the body and restore balance and energy of the body. The Chinese herbal medicine practitioner selects a single herb or formula made up of multiple herbs according to the patient's individual symptoms and constitution. The formula is adjusted over the course of treatment as per the change in symptoms.

The Five Elements In Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on identifying the specific pattern of imbalance which is causing the patient’s symptoms and the disease. The Traditional Chinese medicine 5 elements theory is one of the diagnosis methods used to identify the disorder patterns and to plan the treatment. According to this theory, the body is made of five fundamental elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each associated with specific organs, emotions, and seasons. The differential diagnosis helps to determine the disease pattern and correct the imbalance with the help of herbs. Thus helping to restore harmony.

Five elements theory plays an important role in diagnosing disease patterns and selecting the right herbal treatment for the specific condition.

Herbal Medicine Types We Use

Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed in several different forms, depending on the disease condition and convenience and ease of consistent use by the patient.

traditional whole or cut herbs, prepared as a decoction (boiled into a tea)

pre-combined, standardized blends of herbs in pill or tablet form, convenient for the patient.

concentrated herb extracts dissolved in water, offering a middle ground between raw herbs and patent formulas.

liquid herbal extracts, often used for faster absorption

herbal balms, liniments, and washes used for musculoskeletal or skin conditions.

Your practitioner will recommend the form best suited to your condition and lifestyle and treatment goals.

Conditions We Treat with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Mental Health Disorders
Mental Health

Mental Health

Mental health disorders are the illnesses affecting mood, behavior, thinking and combination of things.

Pain Management
Pain Management

Pain Management

Many of the homeopathic medicines and Chinese herbal medicines are also used for pain management.

Endocrine Disorders
Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine Disorders

There are many endocrine disorders but most common ones are diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal

Acupuncture is highly effective in treating disorders related to bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Reproductive and Urological
Reproductive Urological

Reproductive & Urological

"Kidney stones, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and interstitial cystitis are common urological conditions"

Weight Loss
Weight Loss

Weight Loss

People interested in weight loss are visiting us for treatments offered in acupuncture, homeopathy and Chinese herbs.

Substance Abuse
Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse or drug addiction is a condition where there is inability to control use of the substance.

Auto Immune Disorders
Auto Immune Diseases

Auto Immune Diseases

Autoimmune disorders are the diseases where the body’s immune system starts attacking its own healthy cells.

Neurologica Disorders
Neurologica Disorders

Neurological Disorders

Headaches, peripheral neuropathy, Bell's palsy, & multiple sclerosis are among the most common neurological disorders.

Digestive Disorder
Digestive Disorders

Digestive Disorders

Irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, and constipation are digestive disorders associated with a stressful lifestyle.

Womens Health
Women Illnesses

Women’s health

Acupuncture and homeopathy can help with treatments of endometriosis, PCOS and menopausal symptoms.

 Geriatric Disorders
Geriatric

Geriatric

Acupuncture, homeopathy and Chinese Herbal medicines are used in treating some of the geriatric disorders.

What to Expect at Your Herbal Medicine Consultation

Initial consultation

The herbal medicine practitioner reviews your health condition, symptoms, history and the constitution

Pattern diagnosis

The practitioner uses TCM diagnostic methods to determine the disease pattern. It includes the Five Elements and yin and yang imbalance pattern to identify the root cause of the imbalance. It also involves tongue and pulse diagnosis.

Personalized formula

Specific herbs are selected keeping your disease pattern in mind. Single herb or multiple herbs formula is prepared specifically for you. The formula may be dispensed in the form of powder, pills or teas in the form best suited to your needs

Follow-up visits

The formula is refined over time on the follow up visits as your condition responds to the treatment

Chinese Herbal Medicine Near You - Houston (River Oaks) Clinic

Searching for Traditional Chinese medicine near you, a natural medicine option close to home, or a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner in the Houston area?Alt Therapies Center offers personalized Chinese herbal medicine consultations in Houston, located in the beautiful River Oaks area

Frequently Asked Questions

Ginseng, Goji Berries and Reishi mushrooms are some of the most popular herbs widely used and recognized.

Chinese herbal medicine has become popular along with acupuncture in recent years. Chinese herbal medicine has been quite successful in treating respiratory, gastrointestinal and gynaecological conditions. It has also been used to treat skin conditions.

Chinese herbal medicine is a branch of Traditional Chinese medicine along with Acupuncture. Herbs are prescribed as a single herb or formula made of multiple herbs to restore the energy flow in meridians and balance the body and mind.

Chinese herbal medicine is widely used by patients along with conventional medicine. Some Chinese herbs have strong interaction with conventional medicine and it is important to take it under the guidance of Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

Alt Therapies Center's herbal medicine practitioner sees patients at our Houston (River Oaks) location.

No. It is not advisable as many of the Chinese herbs have very strong interactions with modern medicine and should not be taken without professional guidance. Chinese herbs are prescribed on the basis of disease diagnosis and some of the herbs can cause toxicity if not taken in prescribed dosage. It is very important to take the herbs under practitioner’s guidance rather than over the counter self medication.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

New appointments can be scheduled by phone only

Houston (River Oaks)

19 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 135, Houston, TX 77027
Contact : 713.621.3185
(Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)