Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

· 5 min read
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine practice to treat pain, stress, and various health conditions... Our expert-led training ensures professional growth and excellence in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic health. In addition, drugs do not contain nutrients to sustain the body to support the unnatural changes they provoke. These forced changes deplete the body’s nutrients and energy resources, producing further undesirable reactions that we know as side effects. Eventually, the sustained reaction (as opposed to intelligent response) will burn out the supporting substances of the body’s systems. That said, always use caution when your patients are on blood-thinning drugs and those who are pregnant so as not to use blood-moving herbs or downward acting herbs, respectively, in herbal formulas.
In later years, it was used to ease the pain of childbirth in ancient Greece and cure fevers. Many studies have been published on how combining acupuncture and herbs together has helped treat specific ailments such as Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, obesity-related chronic Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy inflammation, and depression, just to name a few. Another meta-analysis on Chinese herbal medicines using Rehmannia as the main herb found 17 studies.

When combined, both benefits allow for true healing in all facets – physically, emotionally, and mentally- rather than just treating surface symptoms. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting precision needles into specific points of the body. In the traditional Eastern theory of medicine, the primary goal of acupuncture is to encourage a natural state of balance by activating the flow of qi through the meridians and clearing obstructions. While everyone experiences acupuncture differently, many people report feeling more relaxed, focused, centered, grounded, and even blissful after a treatment session.
Critics argue that the nature of herbal medicine makes it difficult to give a measured dose of an active ingredient. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you may feel very relaxed and calm or you may feel more clear-headed. You may also find you experience improvements in your quality of sleep, your moods, reduced stress, improved digestion, mental clarity, and increased energy. National University prepares graduates for the future of health care by offering a campus dedicated to integrative medicine.
APPOINTMENTS Contact your nearest clinic for all appointment and treatment enquiries. Your MAc-HM degree from NUHS will allow you to take national  board exams to become a licensed acupuncturist in most states. It started in India more than 3,000 years ago and is still widely used in that country today. Unfortunately, herbal supplements can be sold without being proven to be safe or effective.

Promote the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, combine it with modern medical technology, and drive the international development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The purpose of health preservation is to maintain good health, avoid diseases, and pursue a long life through diet and exercises. A quiet and thoughtfully designed clinic space that allows for focused consultations and a more comfortable treatment experience. Traditional Chinese medicine principles are delivered within a calm, contemporary, and professional healthcare setting. Gentle support for postnatal recovery, energy restoration, sleep, digestion, and emotional balance.
Acupuncture is a great first step in starting your self-care journey and provides a tremendous amount of benefits by itself. However, if you're targeting a specific problem area or simply want to reap even more benefits from a more holistic approach to self-care, there are proven benefits of integrating herbal medicine with acupuncture sessions. Herbs, in the context of TCM, are natural substances—mainly from plants but also from minerals and animals—that have therapeutic properties. Herbs are used in various forms, including teas, powders, and capsules, and are often tailored to the specific needs of the individual based on a detailed diagnosis. Unlike Western medicine, which often isolates active ingredients, TCM herbal formulas contain multiple ingredients that work together to balance the body’s internal environment8. Before starting any treatment, consult with a qualified practitioner who can guide you based on your individual health needs.

To bridge this gap, a shift from purely structural research toward an exploration of the information aspects of meridians is necessary. By integrating this information approach with traditional meridian theory, it may be possible to develop a new, modernized meridian theory that is aligned with contemporary concepts, making it more accessible and applicable in clinical settings. While both herbal medicine and acupuncture are used for self-care and treating various ailments, they are  still two different forms of treatment. Acupuncture works by restoring balance to our bodies by improving blood flow and stimulating a natural healing response. Herbal medicine targets a specific area or condition and delivers a tailored remedy based on the person's needs and concerns.
Herbal remedies are an integral part of TCM and have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating specific symptoms or diseases, TCM takes a more holistic approach, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body. Another benefit of acupuncture is its ability to enhance fertility and support reproductive health. Many couples struggling with infertility turn to acupuncture as a complementary therapy. Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormone levels, and reduce stress, all of which can increase the chances of conception.
The same holds true for acupuncture when it comes to pain relief.” Thus, research data underscores the value of these ancient practices that have gained popularity around the world, in modern times. Acupuncture and herbs offer a powerful, complementary approach to healing that can address both the symptoms and root causes of illness. While acupuncture works quickly to relieve pain and restore balance, herbs provide long-term support for the body’s natural healing processes. When combined, they offer a holistic solution for those seeking alternative healthcare that goes beyond symptom management.

Treatments may later be adjusted as the patient’s pattern develops or changes. The high degree of flexibility and personalization is one of the most unique and elegant aspects of TCM. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are two of the most well-known therapies in TCM.
It is important to understand that much of the language that is used by Acupuncturists and Chinese medicine practitioners to describe Eastern philosophy, and medical knowledge is like using Shakespearean language today to describe modern medical terms. Kaitlin is an acupuncturist from the Classical Meridian Therapy tradition, with extensive knowledge and use of different styles of acupuncture. She began her studies informally in Japan and completed her Bachelor of Health Science (TCM) in Australia in 2008.
Wang et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality RCTs using Chinese formulas, including “Danshen” for cancer treatment. These authors found that the “Danshen” formulae combined with chemotherapy for cancer treatment were better than a conventional drug treatment plan alone [56]. Indeed, radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (“Danshen”) has been used in clinical practice for over 2000 years. This herb enhances blood circulation and clears blood stasis, two crucial qualities in cancer treatment. All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches.