Herbal Medicine Treatment in Portland
Welcome to Inner Sanctuary Wellness in Portland. We offer a variety of treatment services such as customized herbal medicine grounded in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to anybody in Portland that is seeking to find balance, recover from illness, and build long-term resilience.
We also only use time-tested botanical formulas, ensuring that every remedy we provide is safe and effective.
Whether you're struggling with digestive issues, hormonal imbalance, fatigue, or chronic stress, our herbal prescriptions are carefully selected to support your unique constitution and healing goals.
What Is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine is an ancient and potent system of healing that exists for millennia. Unlike Western supplements, which address symptoms, these formulas are precisely formulated mixtures of roots, bark, flowers, seed, and minerals that treat the root cause, not symptoms.
The herbs are determined from your personal pattern diagnosis rather than your diagnosis code, so two individuals who share the same problem may get completely different formulas because their bodies and imbalances are different.
Herbal medicine is effective alone or complemented with acupuncture and other modalities.
What Can Herbal Medicine Treat?
We employ herbal formulas for treating various conditions at our Portland clinic, some of which include:
Digestive Disorders: IBS, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, and post-antibiotic
Stress, Anxiety and Sleep: Tranquil formulas for the nervous system, lower cortisol and invite rest.
Women's Health Topics: Cycle irregularity, PMS, PCOS, perimenopause, fertility
Immune Health: Prevention and recovery from cold and flu, autoimmune support, and recovery from long-COVID
Skin, Allergies and Inflammation: Eczema, psoriasis, allergies, sinus problems and asthma.
What Makes Our Herbal Care Unique?
At Inner Sanctuary Wellness, we offer an herbal solution that is personalized, secure, and based in evidence and traditional practice. We don’t simply give you a bottle and leave you guessing, instead we take the time to describe what’s in it, how and why it functions, and how you can incorporate it into your healing journey.
Herbal Medicine as a Complement to Acupuncture
The combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine augments and prolongs the effect of each one. For instance, while acupuncture soothes the nervous system, herbs facilitate adrenal recovery and balance energy. In fertility treatment, acupuncture enhances circulation and herbs normalize hormonal rhythms.
Most clients experience quicker, longer-term benefits when each is utilized together.
What to Expect from a Herbal Medicine Consultation
Your initial herbal treatment consists of a detailed intake, pulse and tongue analysis, personalized herbal recommendation, and dosing and preparation instructions. We may further suggest follow-up visits to refine your formula as your condition changes.
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Can gentle bodywork be combined with acupuncture or herbs?Yes. We often recommend combining bodywork with acupuncture, cupping, or herbal medicine for a well-rounded approach to wellness.
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Will I feel sore after getting gentle bodywork done?Most clients feel relaxed or lighter. Some feel emotional or tired, which is part of the body's integration process. There is typically no soreness.
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Is gentle bodywork like a massage?It’s different in technique and intent. While massage works on muscle tissue with pressure, gentle bodywork focuses on the fascia, breath, and nervous system.
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Do I need to undress for the gentle bodywork session?No. Gentle bodywork is typically done fully clothed. Wear something comfortable and flexible.
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Do I need multiple sessions?That depends on your goals. For acute issues, one or two sessions may be enough. For chronic patterns, regular treatments yield the best results.
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Can I exercise afterward having cupping?It's best to rest or do light movement after your session to allow your body to process the effects. Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours.
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How long do the cupping marks last?Typically 3 to 7 days. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area.
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Is cupping painful?Most people find it deeply relaxing. A slight pulling or tightness is normal, but discomfort is rare and adjusted immediately.
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Can I wear makeup after getting Gua Sha treatment?After facial Gua Sha, it's best to let your skin breathe for a few hours. We apply a nourishing serum post-treatment to soothe and hydrate.
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Will Gua Sha leave bruises?Not exactly. The marks (known as sha) are different from bruises and indicate stagnant blood or fluids moving toward the surface. They are not painful and fade quickly.
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How many Gua Sha sessions will I need?Some clients feel results after one session, while others benefit from a series. For facial Gua Sha, weekly treatments for a month may offer the best cosmetic benefits.
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Does Gua Sha hurt?Gua Sha is usually gentle and relaxing. On tight or stagnant areas, you may feel a slight pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal and always adjustable.
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Is this like Western herbalism?There is overlap, but Chinese herbal medicine is more diagnostically precise and formula-driven. More like prescription care than casual supplement use.
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Do the herbs taste bad?Some do, some don’t! But we’ll work with your preferences, capsules and tinctures are great options for sensitive taste buds.
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Are there side effects taking Herbal medicine?Side effects are rare and usually mild (such as temporary digestive changes). We monitor you closely and make formula changes as needed.
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Can I take herbs with my medications?In most cases, yes but we always check for contraindications first. Safety first.
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Can I combine acupuncture with other treatments?Absolutely. Acupuncture works beautifully alongside physical therapy, counseling, massage, and more.
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Is acupuncture safe?Yes. We use sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene protocols.
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Is Acupuncture painful?Most people feel little to no pain, just a tiny pinch or pressure that quickly fades.
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Will insurance cover it?I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Blue Cross/Regence Aetna CareOregon Triwest (Veteran's Affairs) United PacificSource Moda (effective 2/25) Kaiser foundation health plan of the northwest (Intel) I am not in-network with the rest of Kaiser, which includes Kaiser OHP.
Contact Us
Let us know how we can help you
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
Saturday
Sunday
9:00 am – 8:00 pm
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
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