
Restore Balance & Health Naturally with Bernadette Yu Acupuncture & Wellness
1. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a foundational aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Its primary goal is to restore and maintain health by addressing the root causes of imbalance and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities—rather than simply relieving symptoms, as is often the case in Western medicine.
TCM herbal practitioners select from hundreds of botanical ingredients, including roots, flowers, leaves, seeds, and barks, crafting custom formulas tailored to each patient’s needs. Prescriptions are based on a thorough TCM diagnosis that considers constitution, symptoms, tongue and pulse analysis, ensuring personalized care that brings the body back into harmony. These time-tested, natural formulas can be used alongside acupuncture and other therapies for optimal effectiveness.
Chinese herbal medicine addresses everything from mild complaints to complex chronic conditions. More than 3,200 herbs, as well as hundreds of minerals and extracts, are incorporated into hundreds of different formulas. The hallmark of Chinese herbal medicine is the sophisticated approach to formulation, where individual recipes are created to suit each person’s unique presentation.
Unlike Western herbal practices—which often rely on single herbs or small, uniform combinations—Chinese herbal prescriptions rarely consist of just one herb. Instead, they are comprised of multiple herbs, sometimes twenty or more, blended to suit the specific pattern of imbalance. This ensures that even if two people share a Western medical diagnosis, their Chinese medical diagnosis and herbal remedy will be distinct.
When combined with other TCM modalities such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can offer a more comprehensive approach, yielding better results and improving overall prognosis. As a professionally trained practitioner (and a faculty member at the Toronto School of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Bernadette is dedicated to providing you with the most appropriate herbal formula for your condition, always using the best quality herbs available.
What Can Chinese Herbal Medicine Treat?
Research shows that Chinese Herbal Medicine can be effective for a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, including but not limited to:
- Digestive disorders: IBS, bloating, nausea, chronic constipation, acid reflux
- Circulatory system disorder: High blood pressure, palpitation, chest pain
- Women’s health: Irregular periods, PMS, menopause, fertility support, endometriosis
- Immune system support: Frequent colds/flus, allergies, auto-immune conditions
- Mental health: Insomnia, anxiety, stress, depression
- Respiratory conditions: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, sinusitis
- Pain management: Arthritis, headaches, muscle aches
- Skin conditions: Eczema, psoriasis, acne
- Endocrine disorder: Thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, diabetes, osteoporosis, adrenal insufficiency, growth hormone problem
Chinese herbal formulas can also help support post-COVID recovery, chronic fatigue, and general wellness
If you’re wondering if Chinese Herbal Medicine could help your condition, our practitioner can advise during your consultation.
3. Your TCM Journey: What to Expect
Step 1: In-Depth Consultation
Your first appointment includes a detailed intake regarding your health history, lifestyle, diet, and emotional well-being.
We use traditional TCM diagnostic methods such as tongue and pulse analysis to understand your unique constitution.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, we craft a personalized herbal formula to address your specific symptoms and underlying imbalance.
We’ll provide ongoing support and re-assess your formula as your condition improves.
Step 3: Integrative Wellness
Where appropriate, Chinese Herbal Medicine is combined with acupuncture, cupping, dietary therapy, and lifestyle recommendations for comprehensive care.
4. How are Chinese Herbs Taken?
Chinese herbs can be administered in a variety of convenient forms:
- Raw herb decoctions: Boil and drink as tea (traditional and highly effective)
- Granules or powders: Add hot water for easy preparation
- Capsules or tablets: Swallow like a regular supplement
We’ll recommend the best format for your lifestyle and needs. All herbs dispensed through our clinic are sourced from quality suppliers and rigorously tested for safety.
5. Are There Side Effects?
When prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine is generally safe and well-tolerated.
Side effects are rare but may include mild digestive upset or allergic reactions.
During your initial assessment, we’ll review your allergies, medical history, and any current medications to minimize risks and prevent herb-drug interactions.
If you ever experience side effects, contact us right away so we can adjust your formula.
6. How Much Do Herbal Medicines Cost?
Herbal prescription cost depends on the complexity of your formula, dosage, and the form (raw, granule, capsule). As a guideline:
- Granule or capsule formulas: Typically range from $25–$50 per week
- Raw herbs: Prices vary depending on the herbs required
- Consultation fees: Separate from the cost of the herbs
We are transparent about all costs and will provide a complete quote during your consultation.
7. Why Choose Bernadette Yu Wellness for Traditional Chinese Medicine in Mississauga?
- Registered, Experienced Practitioner: Compassionate care by a certified TCM practitioner with clinical experience and a focus on integrative health.
- Customized Formulas: Every prescription is unique—tailored to your constitution, symptoms, and goals.
- Evidence-Informed Practice: We blend the wisdom of tradition with the latest clinical research to optimize healing outcomes.
- Premium Quality Herbs: We use only professional-grade, tested herbal products for safety and efficacy.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort, preferences, and progress are our top priority.
Improve your health naturally with one of Mississauga’s most trusted Chinese Herbal Medicine clinics.
Bernadette Yu offers Chinese Herbal Medicine in Mississauga. Her office opens Tuesdays-Fridays. Many of her clients come from other cities such as Brampton, Oakville, Etobicoke, Burlington, Milton and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Experience natural, holistic health care with Chinese Herbal Medicine in Mississauga. Click here to book your personalized consultation at Bernadette Yu Wellness and take the first step towards restored balance and vitality.
Bernadette Yu – Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist also provides Acupuncture Treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bioenergetic / Biomeridian Testing, Nutritional Counselling, and much more!
Contact Bernadette Yu – Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner in Mississauga, ON
