As part of our practice we incorporate supplements and high grade traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal formulas into our work. Your tailored herbal medicine may come as a powder to be taken as a tea, in capsules or tablets, tinctures, and on occasion, a raw tea which you steep at home according to our instructions. We also use herbal plasters which are similar to patch medications for muskuloskeletal pain and injuries. The herbal plaster or patch may cover a painful area of muscle or joint tissue. The skin and muscles absorb the herbs in the plaster and this often reduces pain, inflammation, and provides comfort while promoting healing from injury or overuse. Herbs may or may not be part of your treatment plan depending on your health needs and goals, your feelings about taking herbs, and your ability to commit to herbal therapy. In general when we arrive at the correct formula for an individual they obtain great relief and a feeling of well being. Herbs often potentiate the value and power of the the other therapies synergistically.