History of Chinese Herbal Medicine
The earliest Chinese pharmacopeia, The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica, was compiled around 206 B.C. and contained 365 herbs. It was written by Shennong, who was credited with teaching China the practice of agriculture and with tasting hundreds of herbs to carefully test and record their therapeutic properties. Over the milleniums, Chinese physicians have written many new discoveries and classifications of herbs into the medical literature. From 206 B.C. to the present, many herbs were added to what is now known as the Chinese Materia Medica, or the book of Chinese herbal medicines. The current edition contains over 10,000 natural substances.
How do the herbs work?
Each herb in the Chinese medicinal pharmacopeia has been thoroughly studied for its flavor, therapeutic property, and active organ system. Each herb is then categorized by its primary therapeutic action, and combined into formulas with other herbs. These formulas are customized to each patient’s specific health concerns and conditions. Each of the herbs in the formula has a plentitude of active chemical compounds, which work synergistically among the individual herbs so that the overall formula can achieve various results in the body.
How do you take herbs?
Chinese herbs can be taken in several different ways. The predominant method is known as an herbal tea, which can be prepared in two ways. The classic way is to make a decoction, in which you drink the strained liquid made from boiling raw herbs a specific way. A modern way, which is becoming increasingly used for its convenience and effectiveness, involves the use of granular herbal extracts. These are concentrated powders of the herbs which can be dissolved. There are also herbal pills and tinctures which can be taken quickly and with minimal exposure to the strong taste of the formulas.
How do the herbs taste?
Chinese herbal teas have a reputation for their strong taste. They tend to be very bitter because they contain many roots and barks, which are parts of the plant containing the most potent medicinal compounds. The taste can go away after a few days, especially as the patient’s body begins to recognize the therapeutic effects of the formula. This actually helps reprogram the mind to enjoy the taste.
How safe are these herbs?
Most of the compounds in Chinese herbal formulas have a low toxicity when compared to Western drugs. This includes pharmaceuticals as well as common over-the-counters. They use gentler mechanisms of action within the body and its organs. Chinese formulas should be prescribed by a knowledgeable herbalist who understands Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) patterns. When the correct TCM pattern is diagnosed the herbal formulas should have very few, if any, side effects.
What do herbs help with?
Chinese herbs have been used to alleviate the full spectrum of human disease. They are used to treat acute diseases, like the common cold and intestinal flus. They are also used for chronic diseases like allergies, autoimmune disorders, degenerative diseases, and gynecological disorders. Children can take herbs in reduced dosages for pediatric pathologies such as colic and earache. Chinese herbs begin to show results quite quickly. If the condition is acute, the patient can see results in a mere minutes. If the condition is chronic, the patient may have to take herbs for a long time but should notice some results within two weeks.
Kimberlee Zimmerman
13:25 08 Feb 20
Such a wonderful experience! I had recent sciatica pain and chronic injury from the neck and should pain and Dr Phillipe helped with it all. Such a kind , knowledgeable man. He listens to all your concerns and address so many of your needs beyond just your presenting complaints. I know it may sound cliche, but he changed my life for the better! I feel like I have my active , happy life back
Brooke Franklin
08:25 23 Nov 19
Essential médecine is a great place for healing. The space itself is beautiful, light and welcoming. Dr. Phillippi is extremely caring and through. He looks at the root of symptoms rather than trying to cover up the symptoms themselves. I have dealt with an ambiguous back issue and Dr. Phillipi has helped treat my pain with acupuncture as well as helping me figure out long term tools to minimize my pain and maintain better health in general!read more
Silvana Vollero
17:03 08 Nov 19
Chris is truly a "health care provider." I have had chronic low pain for about thirty years and have tried many different forms of therapy, including other acupuncturists. Chris is in a league of his own! His treatments have made a huge difference to my quality of life. My pain level was often a 10+ and I felt pretty hopeless. Now it is at a 4 or 5 most of the time and I am enjoying life again. The combination of acupuncture, cupping, and massage significantly relieves my pain. He has also created a lovely, relaxing clinic conducive to healing. I am so grateful for the work Chris does and his commitment to caring for/about his patients. I would give Essential Medicine 10 stars if I could!read more
Alejandra Klorig
04:56 08 Nov 19
I highly recommend making an appointment with Dr. Phillippi if you are looking for a kind and gentle practitioner who will listen and work to help you. I also must mention that the clinic is a beautiful space. I especially love the living plants all throughout.
Kirstin Green
23:35 06 Nov 19
Compassion, humor, sensitivity and a deep understanding of eastern medicine, the body, soul and mind are what you can expect from the stellar people behind Essential Medicine. Book that appointment because you will not regret it!
Dallas Hansen
19:55 06 Nov 19
I am extremely active running long distance races and surfing, and Chris has been helping maintain my health and treat my various injuries for years with extreme success. He has diagnosed and solved countless injuries that would have otherwise derailed my training plans or prevented my from racing. He’s so insightful about what’s going on with my body and has explained it all to me along the way helping me to understand how to avoid injuries in the future.
I always leave a treatment feeling so relaxed and renewed. Chris has a calming and relaxing personality that is infectious. The new location is beautiful and adds to the whole experience.
Couldn’t recommend this guy enough.read more
Connor Correll
23:24 24 Jan 19
Dr. Chris is amazing! I came to him needing help to treat Lyme Disease. He is very knowledgeable and I have learned a lot for him. His recommendations for me have helped me seen a lot of improvement and he has continued to follow up answering any questions I have! I highly recommend him 😊
Alexa Ortiz
01:14 21 Jan 19
Both Lana and Dr. Chris are incredible people and practitioners. They work from the heart and have so much knowledge to provide their patients with. Lana's massages always cater to exactly what you need and she does an amazing job. Dr. Chris is super helpful when it comest to acupuncture, allergies, and injuries, and he has helped us both on multiple occasions. We are so grateful to have their care!read more
Diana Yitbarek
02:35 30 Dec 18
I'm grateful to Dr. Chris. It was a holiday and I thought I was not going to be able to find help. After reading his amazing reviews I reached out and luckily was able to make an appointment. He helped me ease my back pain. He went above and beyond using accupuncture, hot stones and cupping to ensure I left his office feeling much better than when I arrived. Thank you so much!
Sarah Branison
16:49 29 Nov 18
Everything about Essential Medicine is incredible! This is really a place of healing. I have had the best experience with Dr. Phillippi, he is dedicated to finding the right solution for your exact issue(s). He goes above and beyond in every treatment. You can tell that he genuinely cares for his patients and wants the best for them. I would recommend a visit to Essential Medicine to anyone and everyone.read more
Kelly Mahoney
02:05 10 Nov 18
I had my first massage with Lana last week and her touch is pure magic. My body and mind have been feeling relief since I left her 4 days ago. I’ve sought healing through massage in the past, knowing how integral it is to the body’s overall wellness. However, Lana was the first to really pay attention to my body’s specific tensions- the sources and how it’s manifesting in my daily life. She is extremely knowledgeable as it pertains to the body’s functional anatomy and acknowledges the emotional body’s contribution to where we place and release tension. If you look for connection and someone who truly tunes in while addressing your wellness from the inside-out, Lana is for you! We ask so much of our bodies and while most view massage as a “treat” during spa day 2x a year, we live better on every level with monthly and bi-weekly therapeutic maintenance like the kind Lana offers. The pricing is accessible and designed to give you ongoing support. Do yourself a very necessary favor.read more
Brett Littlewood
16:42 09 Nov 18
I was recently in a motorcycle accident and have had mobility and flexibility issues since. Dr Chris'treatment has helped me with a few of the issues and I know over the course of my treatment plan I will be back to spots and exercise quickly. He had so many techniques and told to help loosen tight tissues, tighten up (loose) joints, and get my blood flowing to areas that were needed. Thanks Dr. Chris! See you next weekread more
jolie barten
02:31 25 Oct 18
Dr Chris is “essential medicine! I’ve had acupuncture treatments by this kind, sensitive, and extremely professional Dr. I’m in my late 50’s and athletic, and I have my “weak spots”He found them all, and not only did I find the treatment extremely relaxing,I felt rejuvenated afterwards! He is truly gifted!! I’ve also had the pleasure, and privilege of having a “Lana”massage . Her gentle, but strong hands seem to be driven buy something divine ! Absolutely the best massage I’ve ever had, and I’ve had plenty… She was able to release so many of the nights I had in my upper back and shoulders . I felt so relieved . Prior to the massage I felt like I was walking around with my head on my shoulders.. no neck! She gave me back my neck! Whatever technique she is using for cupping was so effective as well. I would highly recommend this dynamic duoread more