“Acute” Formulas, Ⅲ
I am using the term “specialty formula” to label certain Chinese Herbal Formulas that are utilized for specific [usually acute, though may be chronic] Daily Disharmonies. This type of formula can be taken short-term [days to weeks] to medium-term [weeks to months]. Examples of these Daily Disharmonies would be:
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Menstrual cramps
- Headaches
- Urinary tract infections
- Tooth aches
- Traumatic injuries
- Allergies
- Yeast infections
- Depression
- Flus/colds
- General infections
- Skin eruptions
- …and more
A few good examples of these specialty formulas would be our Drain The Fire Formula, Drive Out Flu & Cold or our Major Intestinal Detox Formulas. A single formula can be used to clear up numerous Daily Disharmonies. Sometimes chronic, deep seated Daily Disharmonies can take up to 10, 12 or even more formulas to dislodge and clear out. The longer the daily disharmony has been imbedded, the more need for specialty formulas may be required.
A transverse cut of any tree can tell you the age of that particular tree. With this cut you may count the rings within the trunk revealing time, distance and age. If a disharmony has just recently occurred, it would show in one of the outer rings. On the contrary, if the disharmony is a chronic problem, it will show closer to the center of the trunk. You can liken the formulas like a drill and bit, requiring time and distance to reach its proper destination.
There is a point where a shift from specialty formulas to building, tonic formulas[such as our Water Of Life Kidney Yin Formula, Blood & Chi Power or Abundant Health Formulas] would be appropriate due to 1) the damage the specific Daily Disharmonies may have caused and 2) the reason [root cause] that required you to take the specialty formula in the first place.
For instance, Free and Easy Wanderer Plus Teapills is one of the most prescribed formulas for a plethora of problems. It works extremely well and quickly to relieve Liver Organ System disharmonies. It is an amazing formula. It is something you can take as needed. You may take it once a month before a menstrual cycle or in the spring for allergies, or even once a month to regulate Liver Organ System function or for a bought of depression.
Is it a formula you can take consistently? Well, this may be controversial because it is used quite frequently, but in general, we believe not. It is a harmonizing formula to put things back in order. It is not a building formula that, in the end, will not apply to addressing the root cause which always stems from deep rooted weakness.
Now, I would like to completely turn things around and sum up the importance of this article. There are people [due to particular circumstances and under the care of an experienced Chinese Herbalist] who do need to incorporate either specialty formulas or for instance, very cold and time-limited Chinese Herbs, for long periods of time…maybe for life. This is the beauty of Chinese Medicine! We are all different and one key cannot fit every lock.
There are an infinite number of possible herbal combinations and as things change, the formulas may change…or not. It is not always necessary to change the formula. Adding or removing even one single herb or possibly changing the weight dosage by a small degree can make all the difference in the world.
Yes, there are amazing patent formulas that have changed lives for thousands of years and will continue to for thousands more! We promote and sell them. Yet, when in doubt, or even, when not in doubt, it is extremely important that you seek out a well versed, competent Chinese Herbalist, go through the consultation process so that they might assist you in what may be a complex set of circumstances. You may be the exception to the rule and require that life-long specialty formula!
Thanks for reading this article! Please comment below with any thoughts or questions.