Herbal medicine is often prescribed without the precision it deserves. At our Wills Street clinic, every herb is selected according to clear, measurable indications drawn from your pulse, abdominal findings and presentation — using a rule-based system grounded in centuries of clinical observation.
01 / How herbs are selected
Each herb we prescribe must meet two tests. It must suit your individual presentation — matching the specific signs identified during your examination — and it must work in precise balance with the other herbs in the formula. We call this the lock and key principle: the formula fits the presentation, not the other way around.
We work with around 120 organically grown, independently tested herbs and 172 unmodified classical formulas, many first recorded during the Han dynasty. Because the formulas are used as recorded rather than adapted, each prescription is structured, consistent and grounded in a system refined through generations of clinical use.
02 / What to expect
Your consultation begins with pulse diagnosis, abdominal palpation and detailed questioning. From these findings we identify the pattern underlying your presentation, explain it in plain terms, and — where herbal medicine is appropriate — select a formula and explain why it has been chosen and what changes to expect.
Formulas are prepared in our on-site dispensary from certified organic herbs, tested for heavy metals, pesticides, microbial contamination and botanical identity. You can choose granulated powders, raw herbs for home decoction, or plant-based capsules. We also ship to your home if that's more convenient. Your progress is monitored through changes in the specific clinical signs identified at your examination.
03 / Fees and booking
Your initial consultation is $150 for 60 minutes and includes a Chinese herbal medicine assessment and acupuncture where clinically appropriate. Follow-up consultations are $120. Herbal medicine itself is charged separately, based on the formula prescribed and the form you choose.
All appointments require a $60 booking fee, deducted from your consultation fee. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice incur a $90 fee. You'll receive reminders by email and text two days before your appointment.