Hello, and thank you for your interest in working with me. Before moving forward, please allow me to explain a bit about Chinese herbal medicine and how I practice so you can determine if I'm a good fit for your case and you know what to expect.

1. Taking Chinese herbs is a process of working through the various physiological imbalances/pathologies in one's body, essentially peeling away layers of pathology in order to restore normal, healthy physiological function. As each layer is resolved, the condition of the body will change and the herbs need to change to address the next layer. In the early stages of treatment, pathologies tend to resolve more quickly and therefore the herbs have to change more frequently. Eventually we address deeper pathologies that won't resolve as quickly, and the herbs don't have to change as often. Therefore, I typically need to do follow-up consultations with people once a week for 2-4 times, then once every two weeks for 2-6 times, then once a month for 2-6 times, then once every 3 months after that. This can vary quite a bit, but it's usually something like this.

2.  How long one may need to take herbs depends on your goals and numerous variables. For simple and acute cases it can be as little as a few days or weeks. In more complex and chronic cases it can be for months or even years. After I make my assessment in the initial consultation, I explain my assessment and my treatment recommendations, including my thoughts on outcomes and timelines. I provide that information so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

3. There are several options regarding herbs: bulk/raw herbs, granules, and pills/capsules:

Bulk herbs are generally most effective and usually my recommendation. They are prepared by patients either by boiling on the stove or steeping in a thermos overnight (my preferred method).

Granules are concentrated herb-extracts in granule form. They dissolve in hot water and are very convenient, but not as potent as bulk herbs. They are good for mild cases and when convenience is required, such as when traveling.

Pills are used when a particular formula or special herbs are only available in pill form.

4. The cost of herbs is not included in my consultation fees and ranges approximately from $25-75 per week, most often in the $40-50 range.

5. You are welcome to obtain herbs from any Chinese herb pharmacy that you like, however, herb quality is vitally important. I generally use Root and Branch Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon, as they use high-quality herbs that are third-party tested for contaminants such as heavy metals, agricultural chemicals, fungi, etc. Most of their herbs are free from contaminants, and ones that do test positive are within limits set by the FDA and other regulatory agencies. Keep in mind that most foods that we eat fall within this latter category.

Root and Branch Pharmacy has excellent herbs and customer service, will ship anywhere in the country, and has competitive pricing. If you prefer to use a different pharmacy I am happy to discuss that with you.

Please feel free to reach out by phone or email if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule an initial consultation. I look forward to speaking with you.

Best wishes,
Greg


Greg A. Livingston, PhD, LAc
Doctor of Chinese Medicine