Herbal Medicine is traditionally one of the more important modalities utilized in traditional Oriental medicine.  Herbs, like everything else in Oriental medicine, are classified according to their energetic qualities and functions from the basis of yin/yang balance and the 5-element theory (fire, water, metal, earth, and wood).  Oriental herbology often incorporates ingredients from all parts of the plant (leaf, stem, flower, root) which are processed into a decoction of healing herbs.

After a diagnosis is made, the practitioner designs a remedy using several main ingredients that target the illness and then additional ingredients to adjust the formula to fit each patients specific needs for harmonization.

The mixture of herbs may be simmered in water over several hours until the strained liquid is reduced to one or two cups of concentrated herbal tea. The herbs may also be issued in liquid or pill form. The interaction and balance of all the ingredients combined is the key to the herbs medicinal and healing properties and dependent upon the craft of the acupuncturist.