Chinese Herbal Medicine Edmonton
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Unlocking the Power of Ancient Healing
For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has harnessed the power of natural herbs to treat a wide range of health conditions, promote overall well-being, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the pillars of TCM is Chinese Herbal Medicine, a practice that involves the use of herbal formulas tailored to individual needs.
Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and principles such as Yin and Yang, Five Elements, and the meridian system. It involves the use of a wide variety of herbs, including roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits, that have specific therapeutic properties. These herbs are typically combined into formulas that address multiple aspects of a health condition and aim to bring the body back into balance.
Unlike Western herbal medicine, which often uses single herbs to treat specific symptoms, Chinese Herbal Medicine focuses on the whole person. Practitioners consider the body as an interconnected system and seek to address the root causes of health issues, not just the symptoms. This holistic approach, coupled with the synergistic effects of herbal formulas, allows for a comprehensive and individualized approach to health and wellness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine Benefits
- Individualized Treatment: Each herbal formula is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, taking into account their unique constitution, lifestyle, and health concerns.
- Holistic Approach: Chinese Herbal Medicine looks at the whole person, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting overall well-being.
- Wide Range of Applications: Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used to treat various health conditions, including digestive issues, insomnia, stress, hormonal imbalances, and more.
- Complementary to Other TCM Practices: Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used alongside other TCM practices like acupuncture, cupping, and qigong for a comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
Safety and Precautions
It is essential to consult with a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before using Chinese Herbal Medicine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medication. Ensure you source high-quality, pure products from trusted and certified retailers, or work directly with a knowledgeable herbalist.
Herbal Spotlight
Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)
Rehmannia is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to promote overall health. It is derived from the root of the Rehmannia glutinosa plant and is commonly used in both raw and processed forms.
Uses and Benefits:
- Supports Kidney Health: Rehmannia is known for its nourishing properties, particularly for the kidneys. It helps support the healthy functioning of the kidneys and maintains a natural balance of fluids in the body.
- Boosts Immune Function: This herb helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the body’s natural defenses against external pathogens and maintaining overall well-being.
- Maintains Blood Health: Rehmannia is believed to help support healthy blood circulation and promote a balanced distribution of nutrients throughout the body.
- Supports Adrenal Function: Rehmannia may help maintain healthy adrenal function, supporting the body’s natural response to stress and promoting overall vitality.
Angelica Sinensis (Dong Quai)
Angelica Sinensis, also known as Dong Quai or “female ginseng,” is a popular Chinese herb known for its numerous benefits, especially for women. It is derived from the root of the Angelica Sinensis plant.
Uses and Benefits:
- Supports Women’s Health: Dong Quai is known for its beneficial effects on female reproductive health. It helps support a balanced menstrual cycle and overall reproductive well-being.
- Boosts Immune Function: Angelica Sinensis helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the body’s natural ability to fend off external pathogens.
- Promotes Healthy Blood Circulation: This herb helps support healthy blood circulation, promoting the even distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
- Supports a Healthy Stress Response: Dong Quai is believed to help maintain a balanced response to stress, promoting overall well-being and vitality.
Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense)
Bupleurum is a perennial herb native to East Asia, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is known for its thin, elongated leaves and bright yellow flowers, and the root of the Bupleurum chinense plant is used for medicinal purposes.
Uses and Benefits:
- Supports Liver Health: Bupleurum is known for its beneficial effects on liver health. It helps support the liver’s natural detoxification process and promotes overall liver function.
- Boosts Immune Function: This herb helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the body’s natural defenses against external pathogens.
- Supports Digestive Health: Bupleurum is believed to help maintain a healthy digestive system by promoting the proper breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
- Promotes Emotional Well-being: This herb is believed to support emotional well-being by maintaining a balanced response to stress and promoting a calm and relaxed mood.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The duration of treatment with Chinese herbs depends on the individual and the specific health condition being addressed. Some people may experience relief within a few days, while others may require longer-term treatment. Your TCM practitioner will provide guidance on the appropriate duration of treatment for your needs.
Chinese herbal formulas can be prepared in various forms, including decoctions (herbal teas), granules, powders, capsules, and tinctures. The choice of preparation depends on factors such as the herbs used, the specific health condition being addressed, and individual preferences.
Chinese herbs are generally safe when used under the supervision of a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional. However, the safety and efficacy of Chinese herbs depend on factors such as their source, quality, preparation, and proper use.
Yes, Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used as a complementary approach alongside conventional medicine. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare professional before incorporating Chinese Herbal Medicine into your routine to avoid any potential interactions or conflicts between treatments.
During a consultation, the practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment of your overall health and well-being, including questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and specific symptoms or concerns. Based on this assessment, they will develop a personalized herbal formula tailored to your individual needs.
Specialists on our Team:
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
Caring for people is my passion and one of the greatest callings life has to offer. I am a seasoned Paramedic and Acupuncturist with extensive experience assisting patients as they cope with obvious and invisible injuries. I have been there for those in desperate medical, psychological or traumatic situations, delivered beautiful babies in vehicles parked along the side of the road, and administered care in such odd locations as on a domestic airliner at 30,000 feet or when flying emergency medevacs over Arabian desertscapes. I know full well how to care for those in true crisis but have also witnessed so many more whose illnesses and injuries could be traced back to their treatment of the body as a whole, whether through their diet, fitness levels, or neglect. As my career has evolved, so has my focus, which has shifted to helping a greater number of people early on to prevent minor issues from evolving into larger and costlier illnesses. In my practice I have found a niche offering by pairing these strengths in emergency care and women’s health with the respected skills and techniques from top practitioners in oriental medicine. All care is focused on returning the body, mind, and spirit to a whole.
My academic preparation closely incorporates oriental medicine with Western healthcare. My passions build on natural strengths in highly stressful complex interactions, care management, and treatment of anxiety, depression and PTSD – particularly amongst Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. Within North America and the Middle East I have enjoyed a long standing career as a respected clinician, clinical educator, fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure/registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). I am a past Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and a present member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr. Tammy Lalonde 🇬🇧
CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
Caring for people is my passion and one of the...
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been serving the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton since her graduation from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Her extensive background in Naturopathic Medicine has paved the way for diverse opportunities, including her involvement in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada and her roles as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica. Her current residence is in Rio Terrace, situated in the west end of Edmonton, where she lives with her husband and three children.
Dr. McCarthy’s utmost dedication lies in fostering the health and well-being of families. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the profound concern parents hold for the health of their children, and she shares the common desire of many parents to seek natural remedies and approaches. Dr. McCarthy also acknowledges the responsibility many individuals feel in providing care for their aging parents, which fuels her commitment to advocating for complementary health practices for seniors. Her extensive experience in administering Naturopathic Medicine to patients, as well as addressing the health issues of her own family, positions Dr. McCarthy to offer invaluable counsel and support.
Expanding beyond family health, Dr. McCarthy’s expertise extends to addressing a diverse range of health matters for individuals of all ages. Her particular areas of interest and proficiency encompass:
- Offering solutions for behavioural concerns in children
- Assisting seniors in achieving improved aging, increased energy, and overall well-being
- Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce individuals’ toxic load
- Providing treatment for digestive ailments
- Utilizing the Bowen Technique to facilitate healing for pain and various injuries, including concussions
Dr. McCarthy’s legacy as a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and an accomplished Naturopathic Doctor ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support and guidance towards optimal health.
Education:
- Naturopathic Doctor, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Licensure:
- Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy 🇬🇧
Naturopathic Medicine
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been...
Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧
Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a compassionate and holistic approach to wellness. Graduating from MacEwan University in 2017 with a diploma in Acupuncture, Olivia’s journey into this ancient healing practice began during her high school years, where she first experienced its transformative effects. This initial exposure led her to a profound understanding of the body’s complex interplay with lifestyle and environment, shaping her therapeutic approach.
Equipped with deep knowledge in yin/yang theory, 5-element theory, meridian channels, and organ diagnosis, Olivia views health as a harmonious balance between physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Her commitment to expanding her expertise led her to pursue an additional 2.5 years of study in Chinese Herbology at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC. This rigorous training, coupled with her experience in Western Herbology, has enabled her to integrate a rich tapestry of herbal wisdom into her practice.
Olivia’s therapeutic focus includes alleviating aches and pains, addressing insomnia, stress, and anxiety, and enhancing women’s health, among other areas. She is passionate about assisting her patients in every step of their healing journey, regardless of their familiarity with Acupuncture or Chinese Medicine.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia is an avid nature enthusiast, often found embracing the tranquility of the river valley or indulging in forest bathing with her beloved dog. She is also a skilled pianist, classically trained through the Royal Conservatory, and has shared her love for music by teaching piano lessons for over a decade.
At our clinic, Olivia Wiebe stands as a testament to the power of integrative care, combining her rich knowledge of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine with a deep-rooted passion for natural healing. Whether you are new to Acupuncture or seeking advanced care, Olivia welcomes all questions and looks forward to guiding you on your path to wellness.
Education
- Diploma of Acupuncture, MacEwan University
Certifications/Licensure
- Registered Acupuncturist – College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
Dr. Olivia Wiebe 🇬🇧
Acupuncture, Herbalism
Olivia Wiebe is a dedicated practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional...
