Chinese Herbal Medicine

We are pleased to offer both in-clinic and virtual appointment options for Chinese Herbal Medicine
Can't find an appointment? Email us at hello@yogamamas.co
60 min Chinese Herbal Medicine Fertility Initial Consultation
$80
60 min Chinese Herbal Medicine Prenatal Initial Consultation
$80
60 min Chinese Herbal Medicine Postpartum Initial Consultation
$80
30 min Chinese Herbal Medicine Follow Up Consultation
​$40
All Yoga Mamas Chinese Herbal Medicine consultations are performed by a Registered TCM Practitioner, which may be eligible for coverage under your health care benefits.
The cost of herbs is not included in the consult and can range anywhere between $50- $90 for a 1-week supply.​

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?

​Chinese Herbal Medicine consists largely of plants (roots, stems, leaves, berries, seeds etc), but may include some minerals and animal products with medicinal properties. It is usually prescribed as a formula consisting of many different herbs. The types of herbs selected are customized for each individual patient. This service is offered in clinic and virtually. Note that these consultations do not include acupuncture.
​Chinese Herbal Medicine supports the body's natural healing functions. It focuses on restoring the imbalances in the body that are at the root of many health conditions. Below is a list of conditions that this treatment helps at different stages of your motherhood journey.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Fertility

Chinese Herbal medicine is able to help with issues that can affect fertility:
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Painful menstruation
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • It can also provide support for those who have a history of miscarriage
​
The initial consult will consist of a full intake, including a detailed inquiry about your menstrual cycles, pregnancy history, lab findings, fertility tests, medications, diagnoses, and any past, current or planned fertility procedures such as IVF. There will also be a review of your general health status, including diet and lifestyle habits. As part of the diagnostic process, the TCM practitioner will also look at your tongue and check your pulse in order to identify any imbalances in your body that could be affecting fertility. The TCM practitioner will then develop a treatment plan that includes an herbal medicine prescription that is customized and created specifically for you. Note that acupuncture is not a part of the consultation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine During Pregnancy

 During pregnancy Chinese Herbal Medicine helps:
  • Reduce nausea/vomiting
  • Reduce stress
  • Relieve fatigue
  • Improve sleep
  • Improve energy
  • Alleviate constipation
  • Reduce swelling

The initial consult will consist of a full intake, including a detailed inquiry about your current pregnancy symptoms, medications, lab or imaging results, and prior pregnancy history. There will also be a review of your general health status, including diet and lifestyle habits. As part of the diagnostic process, the TCM practitioner will also look at your tongue and check your pulse in order to assess overall pregnancy wellness. The TCM practitioner will then develop a treatment plan that includes a customized herbal medicine prescription that helps relieve your symptoms and is safe for pregnancy. Note that acupuncture is not included in the consultation.

Chinese Herbal Medicine During Postpartum

 During postpartum, Chinese Herbal Medicine helps:
  • Postpartum recovery
  • Improve lactation
  • Facilitate healing
  • Alleviate stress
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Improve digestion

The initial consult will consist of a full intake, including a detailed inquiry about your postpartum recovery, your current ailments, your labour and birth experience, and your overall physical, mental, and emotional health. As part of the diagnostic process, the TCM practitioner will also look at your tongue and check your pulse in order to assess any imbalances in the body that are affecting your recovery. The TCM practitioner will then develop a treatment plan that includes a customized herbal medicine prescription that is created to address your specific symptoms as well as nourish the body to support a smooth postpartum recovery. Note that acupuncture is not a part of the consultation.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine is Consumed

​Traditionally Chinese Herbal Medicine is consumed as a tea (a.k.a. decoction) but now it is usually pre-cooked, a powder or in pill form. When pre-cooked an herbal dispensary will cook the herbs into a decoction, seal in single-dose pouches and ship to patients. The powder is like instant coffee, you just add hot water. It is not quite as effective as the decoctions. The pill form is convenient for travelling but effectiveness/potency is even lower than powders.  Your practitioner will prescribe the form that will best suit your needs.

When You Can Expect to See Results

It varies depending on the health issue but most people will report an improvement within 1-2 weeks. For more chronic cases, it may take longer. Follow up visits are recommended to monitor progress, as modifications to your herbal formula may be necessary. 

Meet our Registered Traditional Chinese Acupuncturists

Teresa Lau, R.TCMP
Teresa is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) and Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) with extensive experience in herbal therapy, acupuncture, and other modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Teresa provides a holistic approach to health, healing, and lifestyle management. She treats a wide range of conditions, including stress relief, digestive disorders, allergies, pain management, and the spectrum of women’s health.

As a mother herself, Teresa is especially passionate about supporting other mamas on the path from fertility to pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Teresa’s treatments aim to not only deliver symptomatic relief, but also to correct the underlying imbalances within the body that are at the root of many stubborn conditions.

Teresa completed her TCM education at the American College of TCM in San Francisco, and continues to advance her skills and knowledge by pursuing studies with leading TCM experts around the world.

​Teresa is fluent in English and Chinese {fluent in Cantonese, conversational in Mandarin}. She is very approachable and enthusiastic about educating her clients on how to integrate ancient TCM wisdom into our modern-day diets and lifestyles.
​Danielle Dutra, R.TCMP - Currently On Maternity Leave
Danielle Dutra is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (R.TCMP) and Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). She completed her education at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine with additional certification in Yuan Qi Classical Acupuncture & Advanced Scalp Acupuncture for Neurological and Psychosomatic Disorders. In the paradigm of TCM, the dualistic nature of yin and yang must find balance for the maintenance of good health.

Danielle began the journey of self-inquiry over 10 years ago – exploring meditation, nutrition and fitness. Beginning in 2010, she dedicated 2 years to study the 'self-transforming' silent meditation practice known as Vipassana – which translates to "seeing things as they really are.”

As she continues to explore more functional medicine modalities, Danielle’s thirst for knowledge on ‘how we heal’ is ongoing. As a practitioner, she views herself as a facilitator in the role of healing - the true healer resides within each and every one of us. She believes in connecting subtle communications between the mind, body and spirit to better achieve overall balance in health.
All Yoga Mamas Chinese Herbal Medicine consultations are performed by a Registered TCM Practitioner, which may be eligible for coverage under your health care benefits.