The second phase is to boost the immune system by strengthening the internal organs in order to create an environment which is not hospitable to the external pathogen.

The three main organs involved in immune function are the  Spleen, Lung and Liver.

When the Spleen’s transformative function is weak it creates “damp”. In other words, the when the digestive tract is weak, there is a back up of fluid and waste product from the food. External pathogens (dust, pollen) easily overload the already taxed system creating ‘Damp” (mucous & swelling).

The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy and for cleaning “toxins” from the blood. If it is weak the allergens will not be removed from the bloodl The excess toxins show up symptomatically as dry red itchy eyes and red itchy skin. If the liver is not processing efficiently, the spleen gets to hold onto more and more of the back log of toxins.

The Lungs are the most enviroinmentally sensitive of the organs. They screen impurities from the air. If they are not pumping efficiently toxins get backed up, not only in the Lungs, but in the skin as well. This can result in cough, wheezing, hives etc.

If the Liver, Spleen and Lungs are balanced and strengthened when the immune response is not being activated, the body will have stronger resistance to allergens.

Formulas for Symptomatic Relief of Nasal Congestion

Nasal Decongest- relief  for runny nose

Sinus Relief- Especially good for chronic sinus inflamation without copious phlegm

Formulas for Symptomatic Relief of Allergic Reactions

Allergyplex-  red eyes, itchy eyes and ears, sinus irritation

Sinus Decongest- sinus headaches

Formulas to Increase Immune Function

Immunoplex-  helps strengthen the immune system

Reishi- increases white blood cells as well as reducing dampness

Astragalus- strengthens the lung and spleen

Formulas to Improve  Digestive Function

American Ginseng-tonifies the speen and lungs

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang- for poor digestion , with abdominal bloating, pain or gas, and reduced energy level

There are many  other herbs and formulas which can be helpful in treating allergies , these are just a few of our favorites – if you would like assistance in designing a treatment plan which would be most effective for you call us at 707-523-3517

Treatments are designed for each individuals needs in order to produce the most beneficial effects.  Acupressure is usually used in conjuction with the acupuncture.  Cupping or moxabustion are somestimes utilized depending on the individuals needs.

Costs are: one hour treatment is $45 and one hour and half is $60

Some Health plans may help pay for Acupuncture treatment please check with your provider before treatment. We can supply you with a super bill that you can submit upon your request.

Monday- Friday 10:30 – 5:30

Saturday 1:00 – 4:00

For Map and Directions go to : CONTACT US

Liquids  enter the blood stream fairly quickly.  Some is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat even before hitting the stomach.

Pills go a slower route to make it into our blood stream .

Herbs are absorbed through   the stomach and spleen merdians  , stomach acid breaks down proteins  pancreatic enzymes free sugars and carbohydrates  and the small intestine absorbs these nutrients, our blood stream carries it to vital organs and tissue.

So, it comes down to individual preference,liquids give you the quick effect and the pills take longer to break down and  release more slowly/

Buhner Harrod Stephen. The Natural Testosterone Plan, for sexual health and energy. Rochester,Vermont: Healing Arts Press,  2007

Bensky, Dan, and Andrew Gamble. Chinese Medicine Materia Medica. Rev. ed. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993

It is important to take care of symptoms that are present first .

When the pathogens are no longer  the dominant presence-  it is time to tonify.  This means building blood and Qi , tonifying kidneys , lungs , digestion etc.  wherever your weakness is. herbs have the ability to build up weak organs,nervous systems , immune systems etc. and make our bodies less susceptible to the pathogens when they do present themselves.

Most people have certain organ systems that are their weak link.

If you are prone to respiratory or skin problems , your Lungs need tonifying

If you are prone to digestive or immune system problems- your Spleen needs tonifying

If you are prone to soft tissue injury, eye problems or your are overstressed – your Liver needs tonifying

If your are prone to bone injuries, adrenal or age related problems- your Kidneys need tonifying.

If you are prone to anxiety, or circulatory problems- your Heart needs tonifying

Taken over time the appropriate tonic herbs will  usually help to reduce the amount and severity of various symptoms.

This process of strengthening is not as dramatic as the clearing process sometimes is and it takes time-but it allows for  a new level of health to  be achieved or regained.

Tea’s are rapidly absorbed by the body and it’s effects are strong and immediately perceived. When combining the herbs keep in mind one or two of the herbs will do the main action (Tonification, Liver cleaning, etc.) of the formula, another one or two herbs will support his main action while another one or two herbs will generally help balance the formula. This  encourages healthy organic functioning which tonifies and heals the body. Herbal formulas may be taken two to three times a day. For acute conditions fewer herbs are used, or even just one for example, Scutellaria alone may be given for infections and inflammation conditions.

Cooking instructions

Different herbs must cook different lengths of time to extract there essences. Soft lighter herbs: blossoms, flowers, and leaves such as Mentha, chrysanthemum, Hsin-I, Suk Gok(Dendrobium) or stronger tasting herbs like licorice or cinnamon need shorter cooking times, ten to twenty minutes; whereas coarser herbs (roots, barks, branches) ginseng, Ganoderma, Bupleurm, which generally make up the Chinese herbs pharmacopoeia need extended cooking time; thirty to forty minutes.

First put together the formula you wish to cook: generally 5-9 ingredients with six to nine grams (small to medium handful of herbs) of each herb so that the weight is around ½ to one ounce.  This mixture is added  to approximately four to five cups of water in  a “Ginseng Cooker” or Chinese herb pot or any other covered pot(no aluminum) then simmered for 30 minutes. When adding the lighter herbs such as leaves or flower: use a small handful and combine them with the coarser herbs the last 5 minutes of cooking time so as to keep their essential oils. Usually these coarser herbs can be recooked with 1 cup less  water for there deeper essences a second time.  The Tea can be refrigerated up to 4 days and reheated as needed. It is best  to drink herb teas in the morning and evening ½ hour before or 1 ½ hour after meals.

If wanting to cook only one or two herbs at a time: use the rule of 2/3 cup of water for each ingredient of 6-9 grams.   Highly concentrated teas are prepared by following the above instructions but using longer cooking time/one to two hours or until only one cup of Tea remains.

People who are generally healthy can  tolerate strong tea more often than those who are sensitive or ill. Young and middle-age adults can handle a higher dosage and greater frequency of herbal tea than children or the elderly; those with serious complaints may require more aggressive and lengthy treatment. Concentration can be altered either by giving smaller amount or by diluting with water by add equal quantity of water reducing the concentration by half or three quarters by adding twice as much.

How Much is 9 grams of herbs?  It is not necessary to use precise amounts of the herbs because the herbs will vary in their potency and individuals will vary in need, so the amounts suggested are useful approximations. The best way to measure out ounce is with a simple  pan balance  scale. These can be purchased from scientific supply stores, and from some drugstores. Then divide the ounce by thirds to roughly get nine ounce (average weight of each herb used in formula). Or If you purchase 1/4 pound of herb at a time, it is easy to divide up the package into 4 rough equal piles of one ounce each, based on the amount all ready weighted out. If you are trying to weight out 9 grams just further divide one of these piles up to 3 piles to roughly give you 9 grams of each pile.

This awareness of how herbs works is basic natural law that was developed over thousands of years of observation of nature and applies to the workings of the body.

Capsules
3-4 capsules 3 per day
2-3 capsules 3 per day
1-2 capsules 3 per day