What is Chinese Herbal Medicine? Chinese herbal medicine is the oldest and most comprehensive form of internal medicine, with an unbroken tradition going back to the 3rd century BC. Because of its systematic approach and clinical effectiveness it had a huge influence on the theory and practice of medicine in the East, and more recently has grown rapidly in popularity in the West.
Over 10,000 natural substances are catalogued in the Chinese herbal pharmacopia. These substances, refered to as "herbs", consists of thousands of plant species from all over the world as well as both mineral and animal materials. Chinese herbs are most often taken as a formula (combinations of herbs) rather than alone as a single herb. By combining herbs, synergies have been discovered that vastly increase the medicinal effects. Blending herbs in this way also allows the herbologist to neutralize unwanted side-effects. These blends (formulas) consist of principal herbs, assisting herbs, directional herbs, and herbs that reduce the side effects, or aid the digestion of a particular herb. Herbs can be ingested as boiled teas called decoctions, ground powders, pills, tablets, granulated or tinctured extracts, or draughts (steeped like tea). Topically, herbs are used in poultices, plasters, soaks, ointments, washes, and fumigants (burning herbs).

Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology
Herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs because of the complexity of plant materials are far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.

What kind of results can I expect?

I am highly trained and certified to prescribe and provide unique combinations and dosages specific to your medical history and current prescription list. I thoroughly understand the contraindications, interactions and duration of use for each of the chinese herbal formulas, ensuring you receive a solution that is exactly right for you, your body, and your sensitivities. The results that can be expected will depend on the severity of the condition, its duration, and the general health of the patient. 

The rate at which you move through these stages depends on your unique situation. A good rule of thumb is one month of care for every year you have had a certain medical condition.

There are 3 main steps to think about when someone has an issue going on they want to change. The first step is to alleviate symptoms that you are having that has caused you to seek my car. Once your symptoms are relieved, we can move to corrective care. In order to restore your health, I must determine the underlying cause of your discomfort or illness, rather than just addressing the symptoms. This is treating the root. This stage 2 often takes 2-6 months. The last stage is prophylactic care. This is maintenance therapy and I might prescribe other tonics to keep your immune system strong and healthy so it will protect the body as it should.


Give us a call today to set up an appointment for herbal consultation with LeTa B. Jussila, L.Ac (831) 465-9088.
 Appointments are held at the Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine and Chi Center where she has her medical practice.

Pricing
$50 herbal consult: pulse & tongue diagnosis with custom blend prescription.