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Chinese Herbs
In California, Licensed Acupuncturists are trained and licensed to prescribe herbs
including “plant, animal and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote,
maintain, and restore health” (Section 4937 California Business and Professions Code).
In fact, acupuncturists are the only licensed health care professionals whose training
and competence in herb prescription (via licensing examination) is regulated by the state.
In particular, California Licensed Acupuncturists are trained in the use of Chinese/Oriental
herbs, the worlds foremost system of herbal medicine.
In addition to his training, Matthew Bauer has 18 years of experience prescribing Chinese
herbs to people of all ages in treating a wide variety of disorders. Most herbal formulas are
taken in pill or tablet form. Some are taken as teas or tinctures. Children who are unable to
take pills are usually given tinctures as the few drops needed make it easier for children to
take. Traditionally brewed raw herbs are seldom prescribed due to their higher cost, bad
taste, and difficulty brewing.
HERB SAFETY – The media often reports about the possible dangers of taking herbs including
herb/drug interactions. These reports have surfaced as a reaction to the realization that
millions of Americans are taking herbs and other supplements with little or no professional
advice. There is a great difference between someone self-medicating with herbs and someone
who has had herbs prescribed by a trained and licensed professional. As a Licensed Acupuncturist,
Matthew Bauer is trained to know the potential risks of the herbs he prescribes just as a medical
doctor is trained to know the potential risk of the drugs they prescribe.
While it is true that a very small number of the hundreds of Chinese herbs pose potential health
risks, over time the Chinese learned how to distinguish between these and the herbs that pose
no risk. They further learned how to utilize the higher risk herbs safely. Most herbs are combined
with other herbs to enhance their positive effects and reduce the potential of side effect. The
Chinese may be the only culture on earth that learned to combine ingredients in this way. Some
herbs are also processed in a manner that greatly reduces their potential toxicity. And finally,
dosages are carefully regulated so as to reduce the chance of side effects. When taken as
prescribed by a trained professional, Chinese herbs are far safer than many commonly prescribed
medications or over the counter drugs.
MORE INFO ON CHINESE HERBS
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