Topical Herbal Medicines
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Topical herbal medicines are a holistic way to treat wounds in a natural way. There are applications for cuts, wounds, injuries, inflammation, and bruises. There are also great herbal-infused topicals for arthritis, and pain.
When it comes to acupuncture, topical medicines work well because both are hands on. Topical gels, balms, salves and linaments need to be rubbed into the body in order to work, just as acupuncture needs to be performed hands on by a skilled practitioner in order to work. Using a topical herbal medicine like an herbal-infused salve after your acupuncture session is a great way to enhance your care and work your way to the best possible result.
Let’s talk a little bit more about what Topical Herbal Medicine is and how it can help you.
What are the Types of Topical Herbal Medicines?
There are three types of herbal topical medicines. Each topical treatment type heals the body or mind in a different way. Topical medicines can be made at home or they can be purchased online or in stores. Here are the three types of topical treatments:
- Infused Oils are made through the process of steeping herbs in oil. For example, rose oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and thyme oil are all infused oils made by taking snips of the herb and soaking it in a carrier oil for a long period of time. While the herbs are soaking their medicinal qualities are getting trapped in the oil. The carrier oils used could be olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or another oil that sits on the skin well without the user breaking out or getting an allergy. These oils soak into the skin at a medium pace allowing the practitioner to do cupping, guasha, and tuina massage while the herb is slowly soaking into the skin.
- Salves are made with oil and wax. Salves are solid and applied to the skin by putting some of the product onto the fingers and massaging the product into the treatment area. The wax used should be beeswax, soy or another wax that is not likely to cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin. Keep in mind, the skin is a sensitive organ. Only certain waxes and carrier oils are safe enough for the skin. The waxy nature of salves allows it to slowly penetrate the skin over time.
- Creams and Lotions are the most commonly used type of topical herbal medicine. That’s because they’re easy to use and they aren’t messy. Lotions can be thin but can vary in thickness and texture. Creams are thicker. People use creams on dry skin that needs to be moisturized. Lotions and oils can be combined to create relaxing solutions that do double the duty. Creams absorb into the skin at a faster pace then oils and salves.
- Linaments are herbs soaked in alcohol, most commonly vodka. They are the fastest at absorbing into the skin. They can be applied many times a day because they are absorbed so quickly.
What is a Linament?
Linaments are extracted or infused from herbs. Usually they are infused in alcohol, like vodka. The name linament comes from the Chinese word for “wine.” Linaments are good for penetrating injured areas and improving healing. They are applied topically to the skin. The intention is to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation – and also to speed healing.
Herbal liniments work because they have a distinctive job. Linaments that are made well and are well formulated have several herbal elements combined. When used for tendon repair, linaments have homeostatic qualities – this means they stop bleeding. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that cool and reduce inflammation. They help with bruising as well.
How can you find a qualified Acupuncturist who uses Topical Herbal Medicine in Raleigh, North Carolina?
If you’re searching for a qualified Acupuncturist who used topical herbal medication during their sessions in Raleigh, North Carolina, you’ll want to find someone with experience, qualifications, and compassion. Look no further than Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center. Our goal since 2010 has been to provide quality and compassionate acupuncture in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas. Much like the balance that Acupuncture and topical herbal medicine provides for your body, we provide our patients with balanced care: the highest quality healthcare, while at the same time focusing on compassionate services that treat you, the patient, with holistic, individualized treatment.
Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center for all of your Acupuncture needs
Hi, I’m Jim Eleczko, the founder of Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center and it’s my mission to provide you with compassionate, whole-person care using holistic treatments, including Acupuncture and topical herbal medicine. I’m a board-certified and licensed Acupuncturist practicing since 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I love that I get to wake up every day to make meaningful changes in my patient’s lives. I’ve seen first hand the changes that Acupuncture can make. As a teen I suffered from allergies and my father suggested that I try Acupuncture to calm the symptoms. It worked – and left a lasting impression on me! Now I offer Acupuncture and other treatments to help people with a variety of issues, including anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. Our other treatments include Dry Needling, Tuina Massage, Guasha, Cupping, Stretching, Orthopedic Movements, Electroacupuncture and Therapeutic Exercises.
Here’s a bit more about me and my qualifications: I studied the 4-year program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine and continue to travel multiple times a year to study with my mentor, Andrew Nugent-Head. I also studied under Dr. Ed Garbacz, M.D. LAc and spent a year working and studying under Dr. Bonnie Walker, M.D. LAc. I have also done extensive post-graduate studies in acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine from lectures of acupuncturists like Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, Matt Callison, and Edward Obaidey.
Get in touch with me by calling (919) 260-4104. I’d be happy to answer your questions and get you booked for an appointment today!
