Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an ancient system of health care that has undergone continual development over the centuries as the causes of illnesses that afflict mankind have evolved.

In its country of origin, it is not an alternative form of therapy, but is used in the state hospitals alongside modern medicine. Chinese Medicine is a complete medicinal system that is capable of treating disease in all its forms. Although Jo will treat whatever complaint you present with, the traditional view places great importance on preventing disease before it occurs. At the Clinic, herbs are blended individually for clients as they watch.

Are Chinese herbs safe?
What are the herbs like and how do they cost?
What can Chinese Herbal Medicine treat?
Who can have treatment?
What can I expect in a consultation?
How many treatments will I need?
What is the cost of treatment?
How can I make an appointment?
Where can I find books, websites and research?
What do Jo's clients say?

Are Chinese herbs safe?
Chinese Medicine has been used as front line medicine by the majority of the world's population since before recorded history and is still the most widely utilised medical system in the world today. Adverse reactions to Chinese herbs are extremely rare and are negligible when compared to those commonly produced by pharmaceutical drugs.

What are the herbs like and how much will they cost?
Jo uses the herbs in their patent (pill), powdered and raw forms. The pills are taken three times a day with a little water, the powders are made into a tea or decoction, and in their raw form, the herbs are boiled and the remaining fluids drunk. One box of patent herbs lasts approximately 8 days and costs £5.00 per box. It is usual to have 3-4 weeks treatment to assess the effectiveness on the patient's health. Powdered and raw herbs cost around £60 to £70 per month.

What can Chinese Herbal Medicine treat?
Chinese Herbal Medicine can understand and treat all forms of ill health. The results that can be expected and the length of treatment required depend on the severity of the disease, its duration and the general health of the patient. Chinese Herbal Medicine is probably most renowned in the West for its effects on:

• Skin disease
• Gynaecological complaints
• Digestive complaints
• Respiratory conditions
• Allergies
• Disorders of the immune system
• Pain
• Psychological problems
• Children's diseases
• Addiction

Who can have treatment?
People of any age or constitution can benefit from Chinese Herbal Medicine. Jo will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. Children and pregnant women can be, and commonly are, cared for by Chinese Medicine practitioners.

What can I expect in a consultation?
Jo aims, during the first consultation, to determine the nature of the disharmony by careful questioning and observation. Diagnosis may include examination of the tongue for its structure, colour and coating and of the pulses at the wrists, which are felt for their quality strength and rhythm.

How many treatments will I need?
There is no set number of treatments. However characteristically, if treating with herbs alone, once every two weeks or once a month is sufficient. In practice, Jo usually combines the herbs with some or several of the following treatments: Acupuncture, Dietary Therapy, Exercise, and Lifestyle Management.

What is the cost of treatment?
**All treatments/consultations are 50 minutes in length

** Please note Jo's diray gets booked around three-four weeks in advance. We hope this information will be of help when planning your treatment.

- For Chinese herbal medicine estimate around £12-15 per week in addition to the treatment charges above.
- Out of clinic hours one - hour embryo transfer treatments are £85 each (subject to availability).
- Appointments cancelled within 24 hrs will be charged.
- Credit cards not accepted, but we do accept cheques with cheque guarantee cards or cash. Thank you.

How can I make an appointment?
Phone Jo on 020 8374 4566 for an appointment at her clinic in Highgate, North London.

What do Jo's clients say?

Suffering from acne
In just six months of treatment with Jo, I managed to get rid of persistent acne that had been with me at varying levels since I was fifteen. The course consisted of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and dietary advice. Over the years I had undergone courses of Roaccutane and antibiotics to manage the condition. At the start of my treatments with Jo, I was on a course of Minocin antibiotics that I was able to stop completely after 4 months. This was a highly significant event - coming off antibiotics and having a clear complexion after so many years of worrying about my skin. If only I'd done this earlier, instead of dealing with GPs whose only answer was to prescribe me more pills! Hopefully, Western medicine will come to fully appreciate the use of Chinese Medicine in health care.
BH, Comedian, London, N1

Pneumonia
When l first went to see Jo l didn't realise how run down I had become. I had been suffering from pneumonia and was very weak. I desperately needed her help. She was kind and extremely generous with her time and energy. She treated my condition with Acupunture, Reiki and Chinese Medicine. Jo also treated my inner energy and made me look at myself as a whole. I realised that l had to take time out and listen to her advice. My pneumonia is virtually gone and my M.E is becoming much more bearable. She will always be a very important person to know because of her wonderful healing ability and good advice.
NF, Designer, London N10