Classical formulas written for the exact mix of patterns you have, checked against everything you already take, and changed at each follow-up as your picture shifts.
Here the classical lens leads: differential pattern diagnosis decides the treatment, with the Western picture as context.
The Western lensAnatomy, physiology, biomechanics
Plants as medicine
Many classical herbs contain active compounds that are still being studied. We review everything you already take, medications and supplements, and we never ask you to change a prescription.
Interactions
Some herbs can change how a medication works, blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medicines among them. Formulas are chosen with your list in front of us, and anything uncertain is left out.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Many herbs are avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Formulas for those times are chosen with your OB or midwife's knowledge.
The classical lensChannels, patterns, the five phases
Formulas for a pattern
A named classical formula is matched to your exact mix of patterns, never a catalog product or a proprietary blend. This is the core of internal medicine in the classical tradition.
A treatment arc
Layered patterns are worked through in order, often the most pressing first, and the formula is revised at each follow-up. When your condition changes, the medicine changes with you.
Roles within a formula
Each formula has a chief herb that carries the main action, a deputy that strengthens it, assistants that support or moderate, and an envoy that harmonizes and guides, 君臣佐使.
Granules or raw herbs
Formulas come as granules or as raw herbs from tested suppliers, with directions for taking them.
How we work: one plan
Prescribed at your visit from the same pattern reading as your acupuncture points, with food advice to match, and reviewed at each follow-up. Your physician stays your primary doctor, and we never ask you to change a prescription.
Formulas, not single herbs
A classical formula is a small team of herbs with set roles: one or two carry the main action, others support or moderate them, and some steer the formula toward a part of the body or protect digestion. Many of these formulas have been in continuous use for close to two thousand years. We start from a named formula and adjust the herbs and their proportions to you.
Chosen from your pattern
Two people with the same diagnosis often leave with different formulas, because the formula follows the pattern rather than the disease name. The pattern comes from the Eight Principles, the Five Phases and the Six Conformations, read from your pulse, tongue and history. Take three people who all say they sleep badly and feel tired. The formula follows which pattern each one has:
If the picture is constrained Liver qi with a tired digestion, as in some stress and PMS, a practitioner might consider Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer).
If worry, poor sleep and fatigue arrive together with a depleted Heart and Spleen, as in some sleep trouble, a practitioner might consider Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) instead.
If the root is Kidney yin depletion, with heat at night, as in some menopause and eye cases, a practitioner might start from Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill).
Same complaint, three patterns, three different starting points. Your own formula may be none of them.
Where herbs do the most work
Herbs are at the center of the internal medicine side of the clinic: digestion, fertility support alongside your reproductive physician, the skin, allergies and more. They also have a place in eye care and stroke recovery, read through the same pattern lens.
Herbal follow-ups at a distance
Once a formula is working, refills and adjustments do not always need a visit. You can continue by telemedicine, or online.
Quality and safety
Herbs come from suppliers who test for identity, heavy metals and contaminants. If a formula upsets your stomach or you notice anything unusual, stop it and let us know so it can be adjusted. During cancer treatment, herbs are used only with your oncology team's knowledge.
Formulas here illustrate how pattern diagnosis shapes treatment. They are not recommendations; a practitioner selects and adjusts formulas for the individual.
Questions people ask
Will herbs interact with my medication?
Some can, which is why we review every prescription, over-the-counter medicine and supplement you take before writing a formula. Never stop or change a prescribed medication on our account; herbs are planned around it, and your physician stays in the loop.
What form do the herbs come in?
Most formulas are dispensed as granules that dissolve in warm water. Raw herbs that you cook into a tea at home are used when a formula needs that degree of adjustment. You get written directions either way.
Can I take herbs while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Some formulas are used in pregnancy and many herbs are not. Tell us if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, and the formula will be chosen with that in mind and alongside your OB or midwife.
Why did my formula change?
Because you did. As one layer of a pattern settles, the next one becomes the priority, and the formula is rewritten to match.
Often part of care for
89 conditions in our library list this as part of how we work with them. It is always one part of a plan chosen from your assessment.
