When diet, acupuncture, and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to support us in finding balance, calling on plant medicines can be an excellent way to shimmy us closer toward balance.
Herbs have always been an integral part of medicine around the world, and Chinese herbal medicine is one of the most ancient systems. (I always smile when I hear people call Chinese medicine “New Age.”) The first documents on Chinese herbal medicine were written around 2800 B.C.E. by Shen Nong. Many of the formulas he wrote about are still used today, and his language on herbal energetic properties is now widely recognized across cultures. In addition to plants, Chinese medicine also includes the use of minerals, bones, and other natural substances. Animal parts are no longer used in the Chinese medicines we have access to in the West, despite the hype.
Having studied Western herbal medicine, folk herbal medicine, plant spirit medicine, and Chinese herbal medicine, at Inner Ocean our practitioners draw from several lineages of plant wisdom to find the plant medicine most suitable for your constitution and for any specific health challenges you are experiencing.
Each session with your practitioner includes some degree of an herbal medicine consultation. For some of us, a constitutional formula is needed and that can be determined during your initial intake. These formulas have a slower-acting but more sustainable effect on our nervous systems and on the deeper, more chronic challenges of our lives. For others, acute formulas may be needed to support us in getting back to our lives such as when coming down with a cold or flu.
Often we start with prescribing an herbal medicine for two weeks to see how you and the formula get along. If you two are doing well together (yes, plants have personalities, too!), then your practitioner will guide you in your dosage and duration of herbal therapy.
When it comes to COVID we have seen herbal medicines out-perform pharmaceuticals when it comes to building resilience in the body, and managing symptoms either after vaccination or after COVID exposure.
At our clinic, our practitioners include an herbal medicine intake with their new patient visit. However, with complex or chronic health concerns, we may need to book a separate time to discuss herbs and/or supplements that would be most beneficial for you. We do offer tele-health visits for new and returning clients to discuss herbal medicine needs, and to troubleshoot current formulas.
Our integrated approach to health and healing means incorporating aspects of Psychology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element Acupuncture, Nutrition Counseling, and Herbal Medicine into how we practice.
Our practice accepts insurance for Acupuncture! We work with all types of insurance including United Healthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Anthem, Tri-West, Liberty Healthshare, and the VA.
If you don’t see your insurance company listed, you can still check your benefits below.
In order to best serve you, we can verify your insurance benefits before you arrive (how cool?!).
Please click on the link below and complete our brief online form. We will contact you as soon as we verify your benefits, usually within 24-48 hours.
To get started on your healing journey, we highly recommend speaking with a senior practitioner about your healing needs. The best provider for you and your current health challenges will be recommended along with an opportunity for you to ask questions about our healing center and how we practice. If you already have a provider who you know you would like to work with, click here.
To get started on your healing journey, we highly recommend speaking with a senior practitioner about your healing needs. The best provider for you and your current health challenges will be recommended along with an opportunity for you to ask questions about our healing center and how we practice. If you already have a provider who you know you would like to work with, click here.
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Online Pharmacy
To further support our clients, we have developed an online pharmacy where you can shop for herbs, supplements, skin care, hair care, and herbal teas from a source you can trust. Our clients receive 15-35% off of all products in the online pharmacy.
