Traditional herbal medicine, personalized for you.
Chinese herbal medicine at HES Collaborative Health provides individualized care based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, your health history, current concerns, and overall pattern of presentation.
Herbal prescriptions are selected specifically for you and may be adjusted over time as your needs and presentation change.
More than treating a single symptom.
Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at symptoms within the context of the whole person. Rather than selecting an herb simply because it is commonly associated with a particular concern, your practitioner considers how your symptoms relate to one another and the underlying patterns identified through a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment.
This means that two people experiencing a similar concern may receive different herbal prescriptions based on their individual presentations.
The goal is to develop a treatment approach that reflects you, rather than applying the same formula to everyone with the same symptoms.
Chinese herbal medicine may be incorporated into care for a wide range of health concerns.
Depending on your individual presentation, Chinese herbal medicine may be considered as part of care for concerns such as:
- Digestive concerns
- Sleep difficulties
- Stress and tension
- Fatigue and low energy
- Menstrual irregularities and menstrual discomfort
- Fertility and reproductive health
- Perimenopause and menopause
- Hot flashes and other menopause-related concerns
- Headaches and migraines
- Musculoskeletal discomfort
- Respiratory concerns
- Seasonal health concerns
- General health and well-being
- Preventive and maintenance care
Your prescription begins with understanding your pattern.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Assessment
Your practitioner considers your health history, current concerns, symptoms, lifestyle, and other aspects of your presentation using the assessment principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Pattern Differentiation
Your symptoms are considered together to identify the Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern or patterns guiding your treatment approach.
Formula Selection
Based on the assessment, your practitioner selects an appropriate herbal formula or combination of herbs according to your individual presentation.
Individualization
When appropriate, a formula may be modified or selected to better reflect your particular needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ongoing Adjustment
Your response is reviewed during follow-up. As your symptoms and overall presentation change, your herbal prescription may also be adjusted.
Traditional formulas in practical, convenient forms.
At HES Collaborative Health, Chinese herbal prescriptions may be provided in forms selected according to the treatment plan and individual needs.
Granules & Powders
Concentrated herbal granules or powders allow herbal ingredients to be combined according to an individualized prescription. Your practitioner will provide instructions regarding preparation and use.
Herbal Pills
Prepared herbal formulas in pill form may be recommended when appropriate based on your Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment and treatment plan.
Your practitioner will explain how your prescribed herbs should be taken and discuss any relevant instructions as part of your consultation.
A depth of knowledge shaped by two traditional medicine systems.
At HES Collaborative Health, herbal medicine is rooted in individualized assessment and the knowledge of practitioners who have spent years developing their clinical practice.
Sung Cho, RTCMP, brings more than 20 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a particular depth of knowledge in herbal medicine and acupuncture. As a Korean practitioner, his approach is also informed by his background and knowledge of Traditional Korean Medicine, bringing together perspectives from two closely connected East Asian medicine traditions.
This depth of experience allows herbal care to go beyond selecting herbs for individual symptoms. Each prescription is considered in the context of the person’s overall presentation and is selected and adjusted according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and the practitioner’s clinical judgment.
Herbal medicine with your broader health picture in mind.
Chinese herbal medicine can form a meaningful part of an individualized Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment plan. When you are also taking prescription or non-prescription medications, your herbal care is approached with consideration of your existing medical treatment.
Before beginning herbal treatment, tell your TCM practitioner about medications, supplements, known allergies, relevant health conditions, and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. This information helps your practitioner determine an appropriate herbal treatment approach and consider potential interactions or precautions.
Chinese herbal medicine is not intended to replace medications prescribed by your physician, and your TCM practitioner will not advise you to stop or change a prescribed medication.
As your treatment progresses, you may notice changes in your symptoms or overall health. These changes are important information for both your TCM practitioner and your medical doctor. Your herbal prescription can be reviewed and adjusted by your TCM practitioner as your presentation changes.
If improvement or other changes raise questions about whether a prescribed medication is still appropriate at its current dose, discuss those changes with the medical doctor or other authorized prescriber responsible for that medication. Any decision to reduce, discontinue, or otherwise change a prescribed medication should be made by the appropriate prescribing healthcare professional.
Herbal care that evolves with you.
Initial Consultation
Your first visit includes a detailed discussion of your health history, current concerns, symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals, together with a Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment.
Individualized Prescription
Based on your assessment, your practitioner will determine whether Chinese herbal medicine is appropriate and develop a prescription suited to your individual presentation.
Clear Instructions
You will receive guidance on how to prepare or take your prescribed herbs, including the appropriate amount and frequency.
Follow-up & Adjustment
Your response to treatment is reviewed over time. Your prescription may be continued, modified, or changed as your presentation and treatment needs evolve.
Herbal medicine as part of connected care.
Chinese herbal medicine can be provided as an independent Traditional Chinese Medicine service or, when appropriate, used alongside acupuncture as part of an individualized TCM treatment plan.
Within HES Collaborative Health, your broader care may also involve other services when appropriate to your needs and goals.
A connected approach allows different aspects of your health and well-being to be considered while keeping your individual needs at the centre of care.
Interested in an individualized herbal medicine consultation?
Book a Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation at HES Collaborative Health to discuss whether Chinese herbal medicine may be appropriate for you.