An herbal consultation often begins by filling out a health intake form that only takes a few minutes. Next we set up an appointment. I like to start with a check-in to get whatever is currently “up” off your chest, then we move into a centering.
During a brief centering, I also refer to them as “grounding,” I invite you to take a few deep breadths and notice sensations in your body. Maybe there are tight places, pain, or clamping of the jaw. Often we are so focused on doing rather than being in our everyday lives that coming into the present moment can be really calming. I like to think of it as moving your focus from the mind down into the heart where you can access your inner wisdom.
The rest of the time is set up for you to talk about why you are here for a consultation. I will ask questions and gather more information about the systems in your body. I will also ask about your food choices, sleep, stress level, and physical activity. I use a holistic approach, which looks at the whole person to get to the root of the issue. Not only can herbal medicine alleviate acute symptoms, but it can also be highly effective for healing the source of chronic ailments.
Toward the end of our session, I ask permission to use the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach for taking a tongue and pulse diagnosis. This is a highly effective diagnostic tool that the Chinese have been utilizing for hundreds of years.
Within a week after our consultation I will send you a detailed Wellness Protocol, which includes strategies for how to improve your health in the short-term and long-term.
I also custom blend herbal formulas of tinctures, which are either alcohol or glycerin based, that contain 6-12 herbs. These formulas generally last 2-3 months and are taken twice daily with or without food. I can mail them or you can pick them up within a week.
I encourage follow-up sessions at least every 2-3 months to adjust the herbs and check in about your health. People tell me how rejuvenated they feel after each session. Receiving their herbal formula a week later gives a renewed sense of hope.
Please contact me with any questions.
Your Community Herbalist,
Hannah
Farming for Justice 