Chinese Herbal Medicine in San Francisco

People most often ask about herbs for ongoing concerns such as digestive upset and IBS, poor sleep, stress, low energy, period pain and irregular cycles, seasonal allergies and skin flare-ups. Herbs are usually combined with acupuncture and diet and lifestyle advice. Studies have found herbal formulas may help with IBS and period pain. Results vary from person to person, and Ali will give you an estimate after your assessment.

Classical formulas are those recorded by the physician Zhang Zhongjing around 200 CE in the Shang Han Lun and Jin Gui Yao Lue. Ali studied this tradition with Dr. Huang Huang, whose approach matches each formula closely to the whole person rather than to a single symptom.

It can be used safely when prescribed by a trained practitioner who checks your health history and medications and uses well-sourced, tested products. Risks include interactions with medications, problems in pregnancy, and contaminated or mislabeled products bought from unreliable sources. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist that you take herbs.

Sometimes, but it has to be checked first. Some herbs change how drugs work, and blood thinners are a well-known example. Bring a full list of your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and supplements to your visit, and tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you start.

Some herbs are not safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell us if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or nursing, and check with your OB, midwife or doctor. We'll be cautious, and in many cases we'll suggest acupuncture without herbs.

Formulas come in several forms, such as granules stirred into hot water, pills or tablets, and raw herbs simmered into a tea. Teas and granules can taste earthy or bitter, while pills avoid the taste altogether. Ali will explain which form suits you and how to take it.

It depends on the problem and how long you've had it. Some people notice changes within a few weeks, while long-standing concerns take longer. Ali will review your progress at follow-up visits and adjust the formula, and he'll give you an estimate after your assessment.

Not always, but most of our patients combine the two because they work well together. Call us to talk about the best way to start with Ali.

Please call us to ask about herbal consultations with Ali, and ask him about the cost of any formula before you begin. Our 60-minute initial acupuncture and assessment is $225 and a 45-minute follow-up is $195. We provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement and accept HSA and FSA cards.

Ali Hakimi, L.Ac, sees herbal medicine patients at our clinic at 2920 Webster Street in Cow Hollow, a short walk from Pacific Heights and the Presidio. He is a seventh-generation practitioner who studied classical formulas with Dr. Huang Huang, and he looks carefully at your medications before choosing a formula.

It's straightforward by bus. The 22 Fillmore runs along Fillmore Street, one block west of us, and the 45 Union/Stockton stops on Union Street, one block away. Bring a list of your current medications and supplements to your first visit so Ali can check them.