Pop Quiz: Is there an herbal component to the AcuGraph system?
Answer: YES.
Maybe you’ve missed it…so, I want to introduce you to AcuHerb, the herbal recommendation portal built into the AcuGraph system!
Have you noticed that there is a button along the header of the AcuGraph software called “AcuHerb?” You’ve probably been so busy that you missed it!
When the AcuGraph was invented, hundreds of hours of research went into cataloging and correlating the knowledge of dozens of textbooks and historical data concerning Meridian Therapy and Channel Theory.
A similar approach was taken with the creation of AcuHerb. Books were correlated, experts consulted and TCM theory reviewed. Once the AcuHerb software was created and TCM herbal remedies selected, the next task was to tie the herbal treatment recommendations into the AcuGraph diagnostic system.
No doubt you’re all familiar with how to treat Liver Qi Stagnation with herbs. The textbooks are fairly clear as well. The challenge for the AcuGraph/AcuHerb designers was to tie the exam results of the graph into the herbal treatment solution and make it all simple and seamless!
I’m happy to report that they were VERY successful! The herbal recommendations of the AcuHerb module compliment the Meridian treatments recommended by the AcuGraph, creating a powerful combination that accelerates your therapy!
Are you thinking…”Wait a minute…My patients are resistant to spending money on supplements!”
You’re not alone! Before we get into the details of how to use the AcuHerb, let’s talk about the concept of recommending herbal therapies to patients. As a consultant, I’ve worked with practitioners that ONLY provide treatments. Others turned their practices into a veritable pharmacy. It seems everyone has a different vision when it comes to providing nutritional and herbal therapy!
As the patient reviews how they eat, they are usually embarrassed. They know they’re not eating properly; especially when they repeat it out loud!
Once you understand what your patients are and aren’t willing to eat, their argument against supplements crumbles!
When the patient asks why they need supplements, the answer is simple…they have two choices.
- Change how you eat…OR
- Supplement the nutrients your diet is not providing.
When presented in this manner, patients simply buy the supplements; because its easier than changing the way they eat.
Now…back to the creation of the AcuHerb™ line of TCM herbal supplements!
The herbal formulas in AcuHerb represent the best of ancient healing traditions, combined with modern technology, to give you outstanding results at a reasonable price.
Ancient Wisdom
Each AcuHerb product is based on authentic, classic Chinese formulations in use for hundreds, even thousands, of years. These formulas have been selected for their effectiveness, gentle action and broad application. The accrued knowledge of centuries takes the guesswork out of formula applications. AcuHerb brings you the best of ancient wisdom delivered with the simplicity of modern technology.
Five-elements organization and color coding: All AcuHerb formulas are labeled and color coded by element family for speed and convenience in locating and prescribing the formula you need.
750 mg tablets: Our unique tablet format means your patient only takes 3 tablets, twice daily, rather than 10-20 or more tea pills. Fewer pills to swallow means greater patient comfort and compliance.
The tablet format eliminates the need for binders and coatings, while delivering the maximum herbal potency for maximum absorption. 5:1 Concentration: AcuHerb formulas feature the standard 5:1 concentration ratio for optimum potency. Though others may claim higher potency, 5:1 is the ONLY standardized formula tested for efficacy and proven in clinical trials in China.
Manufacturing Techniques: First cooked and concentrated according to ancient methods, the decocted herbs are spray-dried at low temperature to become a fine, dried powder. After standardization for quality, the herbal powder is pressed into precisely calibrated tablets.
AcuGraph Integration
The tight integration with the AcuGraph system simplifies making and filling herbal prescriptions. AcuHerb is integrated as part of the AcuGraph system. After each AcuGraph exam, herbal recommendations are presented just like point recommendations in the familiar AcuGraph interface, and are ranked according to expected compatibility.
Clicking on any recommended formula offers complete information, including therapeutic action, indications/contraindications, recommended usage, and TCM information.
A library of drug-herb interactions lets you easily check each formula for potential interactions with prescription medications.
To prescribe an herbal formula, simply select the number of bottles of that formula the patient will be taking home. Each bottle is a 10-day supply, and up to two formulas can be prescribed to a patient at any particular exam. The Software automatically tracks and notes which formulas were prescribed to the patient, and prints usage instructions for the patient to take home.
AVAILABILITY NOTE: The AcuHerb line may not be available in your geographic location. For information, please contact Miridia Technology or your AcuGraph distributor. If you cannot obtain the AcuHerb supplements in your area, you may be able to obtain the same formulas from a different supplier. For more information, please contact us at www.acuherb.com.
When you click the AcuHerb Icon, the AcuHerb Window pops up to help you manage your herbal recommendations and inventory.
The “Find a formula” option opens the following window: In this window you can search for a formula based on several criteria.The AcuHerb window presents the following choices:
The upper portion of the window lets you search for an herbal formula based on the meridian imbalance you want to address.
The middle portion of the window lets you search by general imbalance, as shown.
The lower portion of the window lets you search by text.
For example, you can type a symptom into the search box and all herbs listing that symptom in their indications will be shown.
“Catalog” option opens the following window:
Here you can browse through the complete AcuHerb product line. The top row allows you to select the element family of the formula, and the top right lists the formulas in that family. Simply click on one of the listed formulas for complete information.
The button opens a hierarchical list of the ingredients in the herbal formula. Clicking on any of these ingredients shows the list of classes of drugs that may interact with the selected ingredient. By clicking on the drug classes, you can “drill down” to specific drug groups and drug names.
Inventory Maintenance & Reordering
Maintaining your inventory and reordering is easy with the integrated AcuHerb catalog and shopping cart. As you prescribe the product to your patient, the depleted item is added to your shopping cart. When the count reaches a preset level that you choose, AcuGraph can automatically place your order for you! Of course, you can also place your order manually through the AcuHerb website. It’s all up to you! That is the beauty of the simplified reordering feature… to make sure you have the formulas you need on the shelf!
Let’s review how the AcuHerb™ program works
Here’s the quick summary:
- You graph a patient with AcuGraph.
- Review and choose the best formula for the patient as recommended by the software.
- Prescribe the chosen formula in the software and select how many bottles will be given to the patient.
- Print the usage instructions and give the patient the formulas to take home.
- To reorder, you can place your order directly from the software for each patient, or batch several orders together to save on shipping costs.
As you can see, a lot of thought went into the herbal interface of AcuGraph to make it that simple!
We understand that nutritional therapy is an important aspect of TCM. It can also be a significant part of your recurring monthly income. A practice that consistently prescribes herbal supplements can expect an additional $75 per month per patient. If you see 65 patients a month that adds up fast!
It can be time-consuming to order single herbs from one or more vendors and create your own supplements! It is far more productive to spend your time treating patients! AcuHerb allows you to more quickly identify, prescribe and process the herbal needs of your patients.
Take some time and become familiar with AcuHerb inside your AcuGraph program. I know you’ll be impressed! Here is a link to the website as well: https://acuherb.com/
Hi Alan, I’d be interested to hear how many practitioners are prescribing herbs this way and if it is successful. I have heard Kimberley say she prescribes herbs based on a TCM diagnosis, not on graph findings, and Dr Fratkin, in his recent seminar series, says he could never prescribe herbs based on graph findings.
I am asking about this because I am still confused as to how Acuherb recommendations can work just on graph findings, without including TCM findings.
Are there practitioners getting good results with the herbal formulas based just on Acuherb recommendations? I realize you may not have this info but maybe my posting can generate some practitioner feedback. Thanks.
Matthew,
Since you’ve seen Dr. Fratkin’s seminar, you’ll also recall that he said there was a time that he would have NEVER used equipment like the AcuGraph. Now it is his default method of diagnosis. He also said that his methods are not the same now that they were 10 years ago nor will they be the same 5 years from now.
A few weeks ago Kimberly wrote a blog titled “Ancient Chinese Secret” http://bit.ly/L1nZEj She talked about seeing a number of patients that the graph listed as having an excessive Spleen. Her diagnosis of heat in the spleen matched AcuGraphs result showing excess energy in the spleen. She sent her patients to the grocery store for watermelon…”Xi gua, watermelon fruit, is listed in the Materia Medica as the best, single herb to relieve Summer heat.” So let me ask you…if you see a Liver channel that needs tonification, or a spleen that needs sedation, does that correlate with a TCM diagnosis and an herbal therapy regimen?
We have many practitioners that have success with the AcuHerb program. Perhaps they can contribute a little of their experience here?
Hello Matthew,
Thanks for being patient. I’ve been out of the office recovering from surgery.
I would like to chime in on this discussion, based on my experience with Chinese Herbal Diagnosis.
First, I would like to say that I am much stronger in acupuncture and channel theory than I am in herbs–even though I do have a Masters’ degree in TCM and I studied herbs for four years. It is my opinion that studying Chinese herbology deserves a complete education devoted to herbs alone without the inclusion of acupuncture. When I was in college the two were lumped together under pattern diagnosis. I have found that channel diagnosis for acupuncture is more effective than pattern diagnosis, and that pattern diagnosis for herbs seems to make more sense. The individual herbs that are chosen for Chinese herbal prescriptions are based on pattern, temperature and body location.
Do I incorporate AcuHerb diagnosis through the AcuGraph in my clinic?
Yes, but on different levels The quality of herbs offered through AcuGraph are excellent and I use all of the formulas regularly. Additionally, there are many other Chinese herbal formulas that I like to use in my clinic which we do not offer through AcuHerb.
Do I take the recommendations based on the AcuGraph analysis?
I use them as a starting point. From there, I use the herbal education that I have gained to decide which formula is the best fit. The more training and understanding you have in the field of Chinese herbs, the better job you will do. Every decision in a formula is based on specific criteria. I like to look at what recommendations the AcuGraph comes up with, but then I take pattern differentiation into account. I can do this because I have been trained.
My thoughts:
I speak to acupuncturists all over the world with different levels of education. AcuGraph and AcuHerb are a great starting point for analysis. AcuHerb will give recommendations of several formulas. It is up to the practitioner to research further to know which one is best for their patient, OR decide to give another formula completely. Ultimately, it is the practitioners responsibility to make the correct recommendation, and more factors enter into that than just the graph information. This is why AcuHerb only gives suggestions to use as a starting point.
Do practitioners get good results? Yes they do. And I find that the more they know about herbs and pattern differentiation, the better results they get.
I think that AcuHerb does a great job of creating a magnificent database regarding the formulas. But it isn’t a substitute for good herbal education. I always encourage practitioners to get all the training they can in herbs.
So there you have it. AcuHerb is a very good starting point, but the rest is up to the practitioner.
Best regards~
Kimberly Thompson, L.Ac. MSTOM
Thanks for your replies, Allan, Kimberly.