ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS STEPHANIE SLAUGHTER, L.AC.
HOW CAN I BENEFIT FROM CHINESE HERBS? It may come as a surprise to know that in China, herbs are usually prescribed to patients before acupuncture is given. Many people are nervous about taking Chinese herbs because of concerns with quality and safety. In reality, Chinese herbs have a very low toxicity level, and are usually even safer than common medicines you would buy over-the-counter. It is rare to have any side effects from them at all. We also ensure that the herbs we sell in our practice are safe according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. Another great benefit to Chinese herbal medicine is that formulas can be made to fit each individual patient, whereas Western drugs often have a ‘one drug fits all’ mentality, which just doesn’t work for everyone. In fact, when we see patients in our clinic, many of them are coming in with complaints that stem from side effects of Western drugs. There is definitely a time and a place for Western drugs, as they can help save lives in many cases. However, many issues can be alleviated with Chinese herbs alone, or in conjunction with acupuncture treatments. In most cases where patients are taking prescription drugs, Chinese herbs can be added in to further help without any worry of interaction. Chinese herbs can help with many different issues that people have, from acute colds or aches and sprains, to more chronic problems such as degenerative diseases, migraines, menopausal symptoms, infertility, anxiety, allergies, and many more. In our clinic we provide herbs in the forms of capsules or granules, depending on which is most convenient for the patient. Granules are mixed with a few ounces of water to drink down 2-3 times a day, and can often be a bit stronger than capsules. However, for busy onthe-go patients, we are happy to provide herbs in capsule form, which is still very beneficial. It is important to note that Chinese herbs are not regulated in the state of Virginia, meaning anyone with an acupuncture license with
no training in herbs can prescribe them. We have taken a 27 month long Post Baccalaureate program certifying us in Chinese herbal medicine, and are currently studying for the National board exams. We are happy to answer any other questions that you may have about Chinese medicine, and how it can help you. Feel free to call us at 703-370-1077, or email at Stephanie@acupuncturenova.com or Linda@acupuncturenova.com. Please visit our website at www.acupuncturenova.com for more information about Chinese medicine and our practice in general.
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STEPHANIE SLAUGHTER L.AC. Ms. Slaughter is a Diplomate in Acupuncture from the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). She is certified as an Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (ADS) by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, of which she is also a member. Ms. Slaughter is licensed to practice acupuncture by the Virginia Board of Medicine as well as the Maryland State Board of Acupuncture.