THE SYNERGY OF HERBAL MEDICINE
By Ramie Holmquist
When asked what I do for work, I typically tell people I am an acupuncturist. While that response isn’t inaccurate, it is also doesn’t tell the whole story. Having gained some traction in western culture over the past few decades, most people have some idea about this ancient practice of using needles as a noninvasive treatment method for a wide variety of issues ranging from chronic pain to digestive distress. What people are less familiar with is that Chinese medicine utilizes a number of other practices to support people towards their wellness goals that include food therapy, herbal medicine, body work and practices such as qi gong and tai chi. Today I want to focus on the practicality and philosophy of using herbal medicine as an effective approach to addressing that which ails us.
The way herbalism is applied in Chinese medicine speaks volumes to the art and science of how the mind body continuum is viewed from this tradition. I am often asked what herb would be helpful for a particular issue from patients that are looking to be more proactive about their condition. As much as I would like to give them a definitive answer back, it often is not that simple. Chinese medicine very rarely uses just one herb to address a situation. Isolating an active ingredient to create a powerful and specific effect is a common approach from a western perspective. The easiest way to understand how the eastern approach differs from this is to look to the common phrase “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” This idea of synergy implies that the interaction of the elements involved is greater than the sum of each individual element alone.
Herbal formulas take into account each individual herb’s properties, energetics and the organs and areas of the body where it has an impact. The dosage of each is dependent upon the type of role it is meant to play in the formula. For instance, some herbs are used to guide the formula to a specific area of the body, while other herbs are meant to lessen an unwanted effect of another substance or to make the formula more digestible. While the number of herbs within a formula varies greatly, the overall concept of putting together substances that influence one another is consistent. Dui yao, meaning two herbs, is a term in Chinese medicine used to describe classic pairings of herbs that are known for their powerful and synergistic effects when used together. These pairings are seen in countless formulas and are meant to either enhance a complementary action they share or counterbalance differing properties that if used alone would be unbalanced.
Clinical experience has shown me that while these eloquent and time-tested formulations used in Chinese medicine are still relevant, there are times when modifications to match the needs of a particular patient are needed. A concept used in herbalism called root and branch is about addressing not only the symptoms experienced by the patient, but also attending to the deeper imbalances that have led to them. By modifying a classical formulation with additional herbs or putting two formulas together, specific and varying needs can be addressed more effectively. The unique complexities of each individual are taken into consideration as there is not a one size fits all mentality in this medicine.
The approach of customizing a formula does bring up the question of how these formulas are put together and administered. There are multiple options for how to take herbs that include capsules, tinctures, concentrated powders called granules and liquid decoctions. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered when coming up with an herbal plan. When modifications are required, customizing a formula using raw herbs or granulated powder form will allow for this. If herbal medicine is an approach you are interested in exploring, working out the most appropriate plan that fits into your lifestyle and meets your needs is something the herbalist you are working with can design for you.
For further information or to schedule an appointment please contact Ramie Holmquist, L.Ac of Saint Sophia Acupuncture at Alison Palmer Physical Therapy and Wellness Center (#307-752-1799). We are located in the Cimarron Lodge at the bottom of lift 7. Wellness is the full integration of mind, body and spirit. We look forward to helping you towards a healthier life.