Medical herbalists make use of plants whose traditional uses are backed up by modern scientific research and clinical trials. All medical herbalists hold a BSc degree or equivalent in Herbal Medicine, have studied orthodox medicine as well as plant medicine, and are trained in the same diagnostic skills as a GP. However, herbalists take a holistic approach to illness, treating the underlying cause of disease rather than just the symptoms. They are able to prescribe herbal remedies to be used alongside other medication and treatments, and many patients are referred to a herbalist by their GP for treatment. Thyroid dysfunction, acne, eczema, high blood pressure, anxiety, pain, insomnia, hot flushes (hot flashes)/hormone imbalances, and more can be successfully managed with the use of herbal medicines. People who benefit most from seeing a medical herbalist are those who have a chronic health problem that is not getting better by itself. Some practitioners specialize in certain areas but most medical herbalists have a wide range of experience in all kinds of conditions. ABOUT DR. RYAN SHEPHERD BSC (HONS) HERBAL MEDICINE, ND, AP, L.AC, CMTPT
Ryan was always very curious from a young age; trying new things, exploring different cultures and ethnic foods, learning languages and going off the beaten path. Growing up in Toronto, Canada (the most multicultural city in the world) it was not hard to do. At age 13, Ryan purchased his first bottle of essential oil, opening his eyes to the world of natural medicine. Being an olfactory person, his collection slowly grew and so did his curiosity to learn more about the therapeutic properties and constituents of these amazing medicines. Further (self) study into the plants led him to building his collection of herbal medicines in the form of teas, capsules and tinctures (liquid extracts), which deepened his interest in plant medicine, naturally leading to nutrition and then Chinese medicine. As a passionate cook and foodie (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10207727178651984&type=1&l=394692cfbd),Ryan resonated with the quote by the father of medicine, Hippocrates, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." His passion quickly grew to a point where he started to make creams for family and friends who suffered from aches and pains, chest rubs for bronchitis, therapeutic teas as well as steam inhalations for colds and flu; earning the name “Witch Doctor” in social circles. As years passed, Ryan was off to university and decided to make his passion his profession by embarking on a plane to London, England at age 18, where he earned his bachelors of science degree as a Medical Herbalist from the University of Westminster and furthered his studies at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, undertaking another 4 years, opening his eyes to the world of Functional Medicine and the IFM. Looking for an adventure after 7 years of intensive study, Ryan went to rural China, living with Shaolin Monks, learning Kung Fu. Soon itching to get back to medicine, Ryan worked in hospitals in Shanghai and Nanjing, China as a Naturopath and Acupuncturist, seeing a large volume of patients per day with complex cases. Ryan was introduced to Dr. Zhonghua Fu (the inventor of FSN - Fu's Subcutaneous Needle) and spent several months training under him, becoming the only certified practitioner in North America. Earning the rights to North America, Ryan moved back to Toronto to set up his practice and introduced FSN as a main focus, helping people suffering from myofascial pain and muscle dysfunction. Undertaking another 3 years of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine studies, Ryan graduated from the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Eight Branches Academy to become board certified as an Acupuncturist. Ryan is settled into his new practice in Austin, Texas where he is very passionate about providing his services and years of training and experience to the community.
