Most people who live in the United States grow up learning things through a “biomedical” framework. This framework is based on particular ways of looking at anatomy, physiology and pathology. Chinese medicine does not share the same roots. It has unique ways of understanding the body and world.

The word “herb” in English tends to be used to refer only to plants and plant parts. In Chinese medicine, however, the word “herb” may refer to a plant, mineral or even animal part that is used as a medicinal. That said, 90+% of all Chinese herbs commonly used are plant parts of one type or another. Only a small minority are of animal origin – and none used by reputable licensed practitioners in the US are endangered or threatened, ecologically.

Chinese herbalism is special because of its long continuous history of active research and use. But, it also stands apart from other herbal traditions in its extremely elaborate and precise […]

Acupuncturists use classical Chinese medical methods of obtaining the information needed for diagnosis – rather than relying on blood tests and imaging as many biomedical providers do. Traditionally, the diagnostic process was broken down into “four pillars,” which are : looking, listening, asking and palpation