Chinese herbal medicine consultations in New York

A tradition shaped over centuries

Chinese herbal practice has developed through generations of observation, written records and the sharing of traditional knowledge. Early materia medica texts, including the Shennong Bencao Jing, recorded medicinal materials and their traditional uses.

Later works expanded this record. During the Ming dynasty, Li Shizhen compiled the Bencao Gangmu, known in English as the Compendium of Materia Medica. The National Library of Medicine preserves Chinese medical texts that trace this evolving tradition and its place in the history of medicine.

Read more: NLM: Traditional Chinese Medicine — Historical Texts

More than a herbal formula

In traditional Chinese medicine, a consultation considers the person within the context of daily life. Alongside symptoms and health history, the conversation may include appetite, digestion, eating patterns, sleep, activity and the pressures of work or family life.

Care may involve discussing changes to everyday habits as well as considering whether an herbal consultation is appropriate. Your participation matters: sharing what is realistic for you helps shape a plan you can follow and review with your practitioner.

Food as part of everyday care

Food therapy, often called shi liao, is a longstanding part of Chinese medical culture. The related tradition of medicinal cuisine, or yao shan, brings food and medicinal materials together within a traditional framework. Historical reviews describe this close relationship between food and medicine.

For your own care, begin with the meals you actually eat, your food preferences, tolerance and any medical dietary requirements. Discuss practical choices that provide adequate nutrition and fit your culture and routine. Medicinal ingredients in soups, teas and other foods are reviewed for suitability and possible medicine interactions before being added to your routine.

Read more: Food and medicine continuum — historical review

Care continues between appointments

An individual plan can include identifying eating or lifestyle habits that may be getting in the way of your goals. Small, consistent changes are often easier to maintain than a complete change all at once.

General healthy-living guidance from NIDDK includes nutritious food choices, regular activity, adequate sleep and attention to stress. Agree on changes that suit your health, mobility and daily responsibilities.

• Discuss meal timing, portion patterns and the foods or drinks you rely on most often.
• Build a varied eating pattern with vegetables, whole grains and appropriate protein sources, taking allergies and medical needs into account.
• Choose movement and activity breaks that fit your abilities and any clinical restrictions.
• Work toward a regular sleep routine and realistic ways to manage daily stress.
• Review what is helping and what is difficult, so your plan can be adjusted together.

Read more: NIDDK: Health Tips for Adults

Your individual consultation

Bring your health history, current medicines and supplements, relevant diagnoses and any existing dietary instructions. A short record of your meals, sleep and symptoms can help make the conversation more specific.

An herbal consultation covers the selected ingredients, their intended use, medicine interactions and follow-up. If you need medical nutrition therapy for a condition such as diabetes or kidney disease, coordinate dietary changes with your treating clinician or a registered dietitian. Continue prescribed treatment unless your prescribing clinician advises a change.

Arrange care at the right office

Contact our Midtown Manhattan, Forest Hills in Queens, or Great Neck office on Long Island. Confirm your practitioner, appointment location, language preferences and insurance arrangements before booking.

Tell the team whether you would like to discuss herbal medicine, food traditions, daily habits or care alongside an existing medical treatment. Individual appointment schedules can differ from office opening hours.

Where this service is available

Chinese herbal consultations is available at our Midtown Manhattan, Forest Hills in Queens and Great Neck on Long Island offices. Contact your preferred office to confirm the practitioner and appointment.

Common questions.

Explore related care.

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