Chinese Herbal
Medicine
Botanical therapy for acute and chronic conditions through the unique characteristics of herbs, minerals and extracts.
Holistic treatment for organs and whole-body systems
Issues with circulation, digestion, immunity, skin and mind
Achieve optimal health and internal/external balance
What is Chinese
Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is one of a number of elements belonging to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
It involves the prescription of herb formulas in order to counteract imbalances within the body. These formulas may be consumed as capsules, teas, tinctures, or powders.
TCM accounts for around 40% of all healthcare delivered in China (treating some 200 million patients annually) [1]. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation estimates that 80% of the world population uses some form of herbal medicine [2].
Treatment areas
Chinese herbal medicine is used to treat a wide range of conditions involving different systems:
-
The Blood
(e.g. high/low blood pressure, diabetes)
-
The Bones
(e.g. children's growth, osteoporosis)
-
The Digestive System
(e.g. constipation, diarrhea, overweightness)
-
The Immune System
(e.g. allergies, rash, rheumatoid arthritis)
-
The Mind
(e.g. anxiety, confidence, depression, stress)
-
The Nervous System
(e.g. Alzheimer's, itchiness, Parkinson's)
-
The Reproductive System
(e.g. fertility, menstrual pain, menopause)
-
The Skin
(e.g. acne, eczema, hives, psoriasis).
How does treatment work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in the belief that the body's organs and their associated functions are designed to work together in a natural harmony - mutually complementing each other in times of good health.
The role of the TCM practitioner is to examine and identify any imbalances between the interconnected organs, which give rise to problems with bodily function, the bones, the skin and our mental state.
A TCM practitioner may then prescribe specific blends of medicinal herbs to counter the imbalance and thus alleviate the condition.
Due to the holistic nature of TCM, people visit practitioners either for specific complaints, or for more general feelings of discomfort or uneasiness (known as 'suboptimal health' or 'subhealth').
Video courtesy of LAGP Films
What happens during your first session?
Rin Spine Center's friendly reception staff are on hand to get you set up for your session in a matter of minutes.
Here's a guide to what you can expect from your first visit:
1.
Initial Consultation
You'll speak directly with our Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Dr. Eric Hwangbo, about your physical and mental condition, as well as your medical history.
2.
Physical Examination
The practitioner will conduct a hands-on examination that may include a tongue assessment, reading your pulse and applying pressure to certain body parts.
In doing so, the practitioner identifies any internal imbalances that give rise to physical or mental symptoms.
3.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Depending on the nature of your condition/s, the practitioner will prescribe a blended formula of herbs, as well as a dosage.
You can then collect the herbs at a local Chinese herbalist.
4.
Acupuncture / Acupressure
The practitioner may also recommend acupuncture and/or acupressure.
In the case of acupuncture, this involves inserting tiny needles into the skin at specific points. For acupressure, this involves applying manual pressure using the fingertips or elbow.
Rest assured that you won't undergo any procedure you feel uncomfortable with - so don't worry if, for example, you're not keen on needles.
Payment & Insurance
Payment
Treatment Fees
Payment Methods
We accept cash, credit card (Visa & MasterCard) and debit card (UnionPay).
Insurance
Kindly note:
Every insurance provider and policy is different.
If you'd like to claim back fees, it is your responsibility to ensure you read, understand and follow the terms of coverage and claims submission process of your insurance policy.
Rin Spine Center takes no responsibility for handling, submitting or advising on insurance claims. However, we're very happy to provide treatment receipts for all treatment you attend.
Claiming Chinese Medicine fees back on insurance
Many private health insurance plans in Hong Kong cover treatment for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture or Acupressure, and many of our patients claim back their fees from their insurers. Coverage is typically listed under the umbrella of 'Tradition Chinese Medicine' (TCM).
If you would like to claim back fees for treatment, you should check your insurance policy carefully for what kinds of treatment it covers and the terms for making a claim.
1. World Health Organization, WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002–2005, World Health Organization, 2002.
2. C. W. Fetrow and J. R. Avita, “Understanding and using herbal medicine,” in The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicine, pp. 1–3, Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, USA, 2000.