Chinese Herbal Medicine

A system of healing with 2,000 years of refinement

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the oldest and most sophisticated botanical traditions in the world. Where Western pharmaceuticals typically isolate a single active compound to target a specific symptom, Chinese herbal formulas work differently — combining multiple herbs in precise ratios to address the underlying pattern of imbalance driving a patient's condition. The formula treats the whole person, not just the complaint.

At Westside Acupuncture & Herbs, herbal medicine is not an afterthought. It is a core part of how we work, and it is one of the things that most distinguishes our practice.

Most acupuncturists have a working knowledge of herbal medicine. Jim Dowling has something rarer. As part of his clinical training, he apprenticed with three of the foremost Chinese herbalists in the United States — an intensive, hands-on education in the kind of classical herbal knowledge that isn't taught in classrooms. Over 33 years of practice, he has applied that foundation to thousands of patients and continues to study as the field evolves.

When Jim prescribes an herbal formula, it comes from this depth of training, not a reference chart.

Jim's Training

Herb Consultations

At Westside, we commonly prescribe herbal formulas as part of treatment for:

  • Fatigue, low energy, and immune deficiency

  • Digestive disorders — IBS, bloating, reflux, constipation

  • Anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances

  • Hormonal imbalance — menstrual irregularity, perimenopause, fertility support

  • Chronic pain and inflammation

  • Respiratory conditions — allergies, sinusitis, recurring colds

  • Skin conditions

  • Recovery support after illness, surgery, or cancer treatment

Herbal consultations are available as a standalone service for patients who are not currently receiving acupuncture treatment, or for those who want to continue herbal support between acupuncture visits. If you're wondering whether herbal medicine might help with your specific situation, the best next step is a conversation.

Call us at 206-938-2055 to schedule a consultation or ask any questions about whether herbal medicine is right for you.

Herbal Consultation

INITIAL CONSULT — $65
HERB REFILL — Herbal formula prices vary depending on the amount prescribed.

cash or check only

To keep our overhead low and our fees straightforward, we accept cash and check only. We do not accept debit cards, credit cards, or alternate payment options such as Venmo or Zelle. Thank you for understanding.

PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.
If you're running late, call us! We'll do our best to accommodate you, but late arrivals may affect treatment time.

CANCELLATION POLICY

We reserve your appointment time exclusively for you, which means a late cancellation affects both our schedule and other patients who may need care. We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice and missed appointments are subject to a $75 fee. We understand that emergencies happen—please call us as soon as you know you can't make it and we'll do our best to work with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Chinese herbal medicine operates on the same diagnostic principles as acupuncture. Before recommending a formula, Jim conducts a thorough evaluation — considering not just your primary complaint, but your energy levels, digestion, sleep, emotional state, and other factors that together reveal the pattern underlying your symptoms.

    The formula he prescribes is selected or compounded specifically for that pattern. As your condition changes over time, the formula changes with it. This is intentional: a good herbal prescription is a moving target, adjusted as your body responds and your health improves.

    Herbs and acupuncture are frequently used together, each reinforcing the other's effect. In some cases, herbs alone may be the primary treatment. In others, acupuncture takes the lead and herbs provide ongoing support between sessions.

  • We dispense herbs in powdered granule form — a concentrated extract that dissolves easily in hot water. This format offers the full therapeutic benefit of traditional herbal medicine with none of the time-consuming preparation that raw herbs require.

    Taking your formula is straightforward: dissolve the prescribed amount in hot water, let it steep for a moment, and drink it as a tea. Most patients take their formula once or twice daily, depending on their prescription.

    Granule formulas are sourced from suppliers who test for purity, potency, and the absence of heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants. We're happy to discuss sourcing and quality standards with any patient who wants to know more.