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Why Chinese Herbs

During your time at MCA your acupuncturist might have brought up adding Chinese Herbs to your treatments. Why? The simplest answer is, sometimes acupuncture isn’t the only or best way to address various health concerns.

Chinese herbs are the medicine that makes Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM as it is commonly referred to) a complete system of healthcare. It is the yin to the yang of acupuncture. There are thousands of traditional formulas of herbs, all of them based on a system of understanding that combines taste (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, & bland) and temperature (cold, warm, hot) of a plant material (leaves, twigs, bark, roots) to create a desired effect on the chemistry of the body. An easy analogy for Chinese herbs is food. We eat certain foods to have certain effects inside the body. For example, lemons are bitter and sour and create the pucker that helps to create saliva, while bone broths would be considered sweet and bland and help to repair tissue after illness. Chinese herbs are used to help the body to repair itself over time instead of masking the symptoms like an over the counter medication would.

Chinese herbs can be used to address a variety of symptoms and conditions. They are not recommended for everyone, especially those on certain medications like blood thinners, but in the right circumstance herbs can help improve conditions faster than acupuncture alone. At MCA we like to use acupuncture first and then add herbs as needed (or desired) on a patient by patient basis. All of our acupuncturists are board certified in Chinese Herbology, and during their training spent many hours studying Chinese herbs and formulas. All of the Chinese herbs at MCA are tested for safety and efficacy, and come as a pill similar to a supplement. We carry a wide array of formulas that address everything from constipation and menstrual issues to the common cold and sinus congestion. Chinese herbs range in price, and can cost anywhere from $10-15 for a two week supply.

So the next time you see your acupuncturist, ask how Chinese herbs could benefit you!

Happy Chinese New Year!! As we begin the celebration of 2017, the year of the Fire Rooster, here is a little history on arguable the most important holiday in China.

Chinese New Year is not celebrated at the same time as New Year in the western world because it is tied to the lunar calendar. It usually falls between January 21 and February 20, this year celebrations start on January 27th and will last for around two weeks.

The festivities include fireworks, traditional dances, and general New Year revelry and decorations, especially in the color red. To prepare, it is common to do a full cleaning of the house; to sweep away the bad fortune and welcome the new. One of the most important traditions is to gather for a family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, especially with those from far away. Fish is normally served to ensure prosperity and in Northern China dumplings are traditional. On New Year’s Day children are given red envelopes with ‘lucky money’ for positive wishes throughout the New Year.

The Chinese zodiac runs on a 12 year cycle; this is the year of the Fire Rooster. There are 5 different types of Roosters: Wood Roosters, Earth Roosters, Gold Roosters and Water Roosters, all with different characteristics. The last year of the Fire Rooster was 1957. Fire Roosters are known for being trustworthy, punctual and responsible, especially at work. Overall Roosters are outspoken, honest, loyal, talkative, popular, charming, active and amusing.

Some famous Roosters include Beyonce, Jennifer Aniston, J-Lo, Bob Marley, Britney Spears, Roger Federer, Prince Philip, and Serena Williams.

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Aka Happy New Year! Much joy and prosperity to you and yours.

Clinic Updates!

Donate to MCA

Donations to MCA help fund our pay-it-forward program and are tax deductible. For every $20 donated to MCA, we will give 1 free acupuncture treatment to a community member.

New Patients

Please call to schedule your first visit. You will be able to schedule subsequent appointments online.

Acupuncture for Veterans

MCA is a Community Care Network provider through the VA. Veterans can request a referral from the VA and receive acupuncture treatments at no cost to them with an active referral.

COVID-19 Appointment Guidelines & Illness Guidelines

Masking is optional

We provide surgical and KN95 masks at the front desk free of charge

Patients can request that their acupuncturist wear a mask while treating them

Please reschedule if…

You feel ill or have any symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, or new loss of taste or smell. Even if you have tested negative, please wait until your symptoms have subsided to come in for an appointment.

You currently have allergies and can’t control coughing or sneezing.

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Check in with the receptionist.

If you are new to our clinic, please fill out our online paperwork before your appointment time or arrive early to fill it out in the office.

Pay for your appointment before heading back to the treatment room.

Sliding scale is $20-$50.

Enter treatment room, choose a chair with a Ready sign in the seat.

Blog

Gong Hey Fat Choy!

Milwaukee Community Acupuncture

Clinic Updates!

Donate to MCA

New Patients

Acupuncture for Veterans

COVID-19 Appointment Guidelines & Illness Guidelines

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