One of the world's most sophisticated and time-tested systems of natural medicine — now available as a core part of your holistic care at Balance Acupuncture.
Every prescription is built around you. Not your symptoms alone — but you: your constitution, your history, your pattern of health and your goals.
Chinese herbal medicine can be used as a standalone treatment, or alongside acupuncture to help build on the work you and I do in clinic.
Each formula is chosen for you as an individual, looking at your symptoms, your overall health, and how things change over time. Unlike conventional medicines, which often focus on managing a specific symptom or diagnosis, Chinese herbal medicine takes a broader view — aiming to support the whole person and address root causes alongside the symptoms.
When professionally prescribed, Chinese herbal medicine offers a gentler, more personalised approach than conventional treatments, with formulas regularly adjusted to suit your needs and minimise unwanted effects wherever possible.
Chinese herbal medicine can be used alongside acupuncture to support your treatment between appointments and help build on the work we do in clinic.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the two primary branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine — and they are designed to work in concert. Together, they offer a depth of therapeutic care that neither achieves alone.
Acupuncture works in the session. Herbal medicine works between sessions — maintaining and extending the therapeutic momentum so your body continues to respond and heal around the clock.
Where acupuncture is particularly powerful for moving Qi and addressing structural imbalances, herbal medicine excels at nourishing, tonifying and addressing deep constitutional weaknesses that require sustained internal support.
Your herbal prescription is reviewed and refined at every appointment. As your health picture changes, your formula evolves with it — ensuring treatment is always precisely matched to where you are right now.
From your first conversation to your evolving prescription, here is how we approach herbal medicine at Balance Acupuncture.
I take a thorough case history, exploring not only your presenting symptoms but your overall constitution — digestion, sleep, energy, emotional state, and more. This holistic picture forms the foundation of your prescription.
Using the diagnostic principles of Chinese medicine — including tongue and pulse assessment — I identify your underlying pattern of disharmony. This is what your prescription is built around, not just your symptoms.
Your personalised herbal formula is prepared using carefully sourced, quality-tested herbs. I will explain what each formula is designed to address and answer any questions you have about the ingredients or process.
Your prescription is reassessed at every appointment and adjusted as your health evolves. Herbal medicine is dynamic — your formula should change as you do.
Chinese herbal medicine has a rich clinical history in treating a broad spectrum of health conditions. The following are areas in which I have particular experience and clinical confidence.
Menstrual irregularities, PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause, menopause, fertility support — Chinese herbal medicine has a particularly deep tradition in this area.
IBS, bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, weak digestion, nausea — herbal formulas can gently and profoundly regulate and restore digestive function.
Chronic stress, anxiety, low mood, emotional exhaustion — herbal medicine can nourish the nervous system and support a calmer, more resilient state of mind.
Insomnia, disturbed sleep, chronic fatigue, low energy — herbal prescriptions work to address the root cause of depletion and support the body's natural restorative processes.
Eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria — Chinese herbal medicine has a long and well-documented tradition in dermatology, addressing skin conditions from the inside out.
Recurrent colds, hayfever, allergic rhinitis, asthma — herbal medicine can strengthen immune function and reduce hypersensitivity responses over time.
Chronic pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches — herbal formulas with anti-inflammatory and circulation-promoting properties can be profoundly effective for pain conditions.
Male and female fertility, pregnancy preparation, hormonal optimisation — herbal medicine is frequently used alongside acupuncture to support reproductive health and conception.
Chinese herbal medicine doesn't treat your diagnosis — it treats you. Two people with the same condition may have entirely different prescriptions, because the aim is always to restore your individual balance. — Sue, Balance Acupuncture
Chinese herbal medicine, when prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner, is a safe and rigorously practised form of natural medicine. I adhere to the highest standards of professional conduct and sourcing.
All herbs are sourced from reputable suppliers with full quality testing and traceability. Only herbs free from contaminants and correctly identified are used in your prescription.
I am a qualified Chinese herbal medicine practitioner. I take a full case history, including current medications, before prescribing and monitor your response throughout treatment.
We are committed to using herbs that are ethically sourced and sustainably harvested. No endangered species or products of animal origin are ever used.
Always inform me of any prescription medications or supplements you are taking before beginning herbal medicine. While Chinese herbs are natural, some can interact with pharmaceutical drugs and I will advise you accordingly. Your safety is always the first consideration.
