Chinese Herbal Medicine on the Upper West Side
Tried everything and still don’t feel right? I write a formula for what’s actually going on.
A formula is a mix of herbs I choose and dose for you. Each one is checked against your medication and adjusted as you improve, and most people notice a difference within the first week.
The 15-minute call is free. Have your medication list ready and I’ll tell you whether a formula is safe for you.
Experience
I’ve written formulas for 21 years, and I teach other practitioners how to write them.
21 years
In practice, licensed in New York State
Doctoral
Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, with classical training in herbal formulation
25,000+
Treatments given, including about 10,000 on two years of medical missions in Guatemala
Teacher
Taught at Pacific College of Health and Science and Pacific Rim College, and trains practitioners through the American Acupuncture Guild
Who writes your formula
Herbal medicine has been central to how I treat for 21 years, and I write and adjust every formula myself.
I trained in classical Chinese medicine, where pattern diagnosis and formula writing are the core skills, and separately in contemporary medical acupuncture. That combination is why I can tell you what a formula is doing and why I chose each herb in it.
About Dr. CaronConditions
What I treat with herbs.
I write a formula for the pattern behind your symptoms, so herbs aren’t limited to a short list. These are the problems I use them for most.
What herbs aren’t for
A problem that needs a physician first, or a case where no formula is safe alongside your medication. If that’s you, I’ll say so on the call.
01
Pain and tension
Neck, back, joint and nerve pain, and muscle tension that keeps coming back between acupuncture visits. The formula keeps working on the pattern after you leave the table.
02
Digestion
Bloating, reflux, irregular bowels and IBS. Digestion is where herbal medicine has some of its better research, including the trial further down this page.
03
Sleep and mood
Trouble falling or staying asleep, anxiety, low mood, and the tired-but-wired feeling that often comes with them.
04
And many more
Cycles and menopause, low energy, headaches, allergies, stress, and plenty that doesn’t fit a label. If you’re not sure whether herbs can help with your case, ask me on a free discovery call.
Book a free discovery call
Why herbs
A formula I write, check and adjust for you.
Needles change what happens while you’re on the table. A formula keeps working on inflammation, digestion, sleep and hormones every day you take it, so the progress from each visit holds until the next one.
01
Checked against your medication
All of our herbs are rigorously checked against your medications. I often have conversations with patients' doctors to ensure we're working towards the same goal: getting the outcome you want.
02
Quality-tested herbs
I use third party independently batch tested granules and herbs to ensure quality and efficacy.
03
A form that fits your day
Granules that dissolve in hot water, capsules, or tinctures. Capsules are easier if you travel or don’t like the taste.
04
Changed as you improve
At each visit I reassess the pulse and adjust the formula based on how you’ve responded since the last one.
How a formula changes
Most people notice a change within the first week.
How long you stay on a formula depends on how long you’ve had the problem and how it responds. I’ll give you an estimate when I write it.
Week
1
You start to respond. Tell me what you notice, even small changes, because that’s what I adjust the formula against.
Weeks
2 to 6
As the pattern shifts, I change the formula with it, based on how you’ve responded and what I find on the pulse.
After that
6+
Once the result holds, we decide together whether you still need the formula. If nothing has changed after the first couple of weeks, I’ll say so and suggest what to try next.
Typical ranges, not promises. Results vary from person to person.
What the research shows
In a JAMA trial of 116 people with IBS, both herbal formulas did better than placebo.
116
Adults with IBS
16
Weeks of treatment
3
Groups: custom formula, standard formula, placebo
14
Weeks of follow-up after treatment ended
Researchers in Sydney randomly assigned 116 adults with irritable bowel syndrome to one of three groups for 16 weeks: a formula written for each patient, a standard formula, or a placebo. Both herbal groups improved more than the placebo group.
Herbal medicine has far fewer large trials behind it than acupuncture, and this is one trial in one condition. I’ll tell you what the evidence looks like for your problem, including when it’s thin.
Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Bensoussan A, Talley NJ, Hing M, et al. JAMA. 1998;280(18):1585–1589.
Read the studyTrial results are averages across groups of patients. Individual results vary.
Questions
What people ask before starting a formula.
Something not covered here? Ask on the free discovery call.
What form do the herbs come in?
Granules, capsules, or tinctures, depending on the formula and what fits your day. Granules dissolve in hot water. Capsules are easier if you travel or don’t like the taste.
What do they taste like?
Most formulas taste bitter or earthy. If the taste stops you from taking it, tell me and we’ll find a form that works for you.
Can I take herbs with my medication?
Often, but not always. I go through your full medication and supplement list first. If an herb isn’t safe alongside something you take, I leave it out or speak with your physician.
Can I take them while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell me before I write anything. Some herbs aren’t safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and I’ll change the formula or hold off.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Most people notice a change within the first week. A problem you’ve had for many years can take longer, and I’ll tell you when I write the formula if I think yours will.
How often does the formula change?
Whenever the pattern does. I reassess when you come in and adjust the formula based on how you’ve responded.
Do I need acupuncture too?
No. Most patients do both, but for some patterns, and for people who travel often, herbs carry the treatment on their own.
Is this the same as a supplement from the store?
A store supplement is one fixed recipe sold to everyone. Your formula is written for the pattern I find, and it changes as you do.
Pairs well with
Acupuncture moves the pattern while you’re on the table.
Most of my herbal patients also come in for acupuncture, and in my experience they reach a stable result in fewer visits than with either alone. If you travel often or can’t come in regularly, herbs can carry the treatment, and you come in occasionally so I can reassess and adjust the formula.
Acupuncture
In the dispensary
We also carry Chinese herbal products.
Patent formulas, plasters, and moxa, among others. Stock changes, so call to ask what’s in, or ask at your next visit.
(212) 300-9842
Further reading
A patient’s guide to Chinese medicine, co-written with Dr. Barber.
Before I write a formula, I look at the pattern behind your symptoms. Thinking in Chinese Medicine explains that way of thinking for patients, so you know why your formula looks the way it does.
Where to find me
On West 72nd Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam.
The practice is in the rear lobby of W72 Wellness. All visits are by appointment.
Get directions- Address
-
118 West 72nd Street
Rear lobby, W72 Wellness
New York, NY 10023 - Hours
- Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm
- Subway
-
1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street at Broadway
B, C to 72nd Street at Central Park West - Phone
- (212) 300-9842
Start here
Herbs have to fit what you’re already taking.
Have your medication list at hand for the call. In a few minutes I can tell you whether a formula makes sense for you, given your current prescriptions and supplements.
If you already know you want to come in, book an initial visit.