Consultations available in clinic or remotely – either online or by phone
Pricing
- Initial consultation – £65 (plus herbs)
- Follow up consultation – £35 (plus herbs)
- Herbal prescriptions individually priced (on average £40 for a month)
- Acupuncture with herbs initial appointment – £75
- Acupuncture with herbs follow up – £60
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is an individualised system of treatment in which combinations of herbs are prescribed according to your symptoms, medical history and wider health picture. I offer consultations in Scarborough and remotely across the UK, with prescriptions prepared by a specialist dispensary and sent directly to your home.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has a long history, dating back 3000 years. This medicine has developed over many centuries and remains a living, evolving tradition. Modern practitioners draw on classical formulas and traditional prescribing principles while also taking account of contemporary research, safety guidance and current clinical practice.
Prescriptions may contain a number of different herbs working together within a formula, and these can be adjusted over time in response to changes in your symptoms and progress.
I most commonly prescribe concentrated herbal granules, which are dissolved in hot water and taken as a drink. Depending on the individual case, other formats may sometimes be appropriate.
Prescriptions are prepared by a specialist herbal dispensary and sent directly to you. I use professional suppliers with appropriate quality-control procedures, and I do not prescribe restricted animal products or endangered species.
Before prescribing, I will ask about your current medication, supplements, allergies and relevant medical history. Prescriptions are reviewed at follow-up appointments and adjusted where needed.
Chinese herbal medicine should be prescribed by a properly trained practitioner rather than self-selected from online or retail products, particularly if you are taking prescription medication or have an existing medical condition.
How do online consultations work?
You do not need to live in Scarborough to consult with me for Chinese herbal medicine. Consultations can take place remotely, with time to discuss your symptoms, medical history, medication and wider health picture just as we would in clinic.
Following the consultation, I prepare your prescription and send it to a specialist herbal dispensary. Your herbs are then dispensed and posted directly to your home. Follow-up consultations allow us to review your progress and adjust the prescription where needed.
What happens at a consultation?
Your first consultation gives us time to discuss your main concerns, medical history, current medication and wider health picture in detail. I may also ask about areas of your health such as sleep, digestion, energy, menstrual health and stress where these are relevant as this helps to build a holistic picture of you as an individual. When in person, I will also use traditional diagnostic tools of feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue.
Following the consultation, I prepare an individual prescription and send it to a specialist herbal dispensary. Follow-up appointments are shorter and are used to review progress, discuss any changes and adjust the prescription where needed.
Areas I commonly work with
People consult me for Chinese herbal medicine with a wide range of health concerns. Some of the areas I have particular experience in include:
- Digestive problems
- Women’s health
- Menstrual and menopausal symptoms
- Fertility and pregnancy
- Headaches and migraine
- Sleep and stress-related problems
- Long-term and complex health problems
I also often work with people whose symptoms do not fit neatly into a single category. Chinese herbal medicine can be particularly useful where several symptoms or body systems appear to be interacting, because prescriptions are tailored to the individual rather than to a single diagnosis.
If you’re unsure whether Chinese herbal medicine may be suitable for you, you’re very welcome to get in touch before booking.
Safety and quality
Chinese herbal medicine can be used safely when prescribed by a properly trained practitioner. I have undertaken several years of postgraduate study in Chinese herbal medicine, including an MSc, and I am a registered member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
Before prescribing, I will ask about your medical history, current medication, supplements, allergies and any other factors that may affect treatment. I use professional herbal suppliers and specialist dispensaries with appropriate quality-control procedures, and I do not prescribe restricted animal products or endangered species.
Prescriptions are reviewed regularly and adjusted where necessary. If I have concerns about whether herbal medicine is appropriate for you, or about a possible interaction with medication, I will discuss this with you before prescribing.
How long will I need treatment?
The length of treatment varies depending on the nature of the problem, how long it has been present, your general health and how you respond to the prescription.
Some people may notice changes relatively quickly, while longer-standing or more complex problems usually require treatment over a longer period. Herbal prescriptions are reviewed regularly and adjusted as your symptoms and overall health change.
I will discuss likely timescales with you as treatment progresses, and we will review whether continuing is still appropriate rather than assuming that treatment should carry on indefinitely.