01/08/2025
Acupuncture or Chinese Herbal Medicine? Which do I need and what are the differences?
Both are a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and work to balance the bodys Qi (life force or energy). Acupuncture is the art of regulating the Qi via stimulating points along the pathways of Qi which run along the body. We can help it to flow better if it is stuck or move it to the organ system that is deficient, for example. The points can be manipulated in different ways to produce different results also.
Chinese Herbal medicines add to the body. The herbs affect different organs and have different functions, usually more than one. The formulas are made using groups of herbs, each one with a specific purpose and work with the other herbs.
There are intricacies to Chinese herbal function. E.g. many herbs can help the Liver function. But specifically different herbs can help different aspects of the liver, such as move stuck Liver Qi, build Liver blood or yin, clear Liver heat etc. We choose which herb or formula is needed guided by our specific diagnosis.
Both Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have a long recorded history of use over thousands of years.
To get the best results, having both Acupuncture and Chinese herbs is ideal. Especially for chronic conditions, fertility issues etc.