At Golden Lotus Acupuncture herbal therapy is guided by a professional with the highest level of training. Dr. Sloma has dedicated years to mastering Chinese Herbalism, beginning with self-study as a horticulture student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and continuing through immersive learning in Thailand and South Korea. After earning her Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Dr. Sloma was awarded the Shen Nong Herbology Award for excellence in herbal medicine. She furthered her expertise by becoming a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and completed a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, solidifying her commitment to lifelong learning and providing the best possible care for her patients.

Did you know that in the United States, herbalism is not federally regulated, meaning that virtually anyone can legally practice herbal medicine without formal training or certification? Without oversight, individuals can charge for services, recommend, and even dispense herbal remedies, regardless of their qualifications. While this allows for a diverse range of herbal practices, it also raises important concerns about the credibility and safety of the herbalist you choose.

It should also be noted that even those who complete accredited herbalism certification programs cannot diagnose, treat, or prescribe herbs without a medical license in another healthcare field. This creates a gap in legal and ethical standards, which can leave patients vulnerable to unqualified practitioners.

At Golden Lotus Acupuncture, herbal prescriptions are provided within the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by a licensed acupuncturist who has completed extensive training in both acupuncture and herbal medicine. While many states require herbology training as part of the acupuncture licensing process, some states, like Wisconsin, do not.

At Golden Lotus, your herbal therapy prescription is in the hands of an ethical, dedicated professional committed to continuous growth and providing the highest standard of care.

Chinese herbal formulas can address a variety of health concerns, including:

Pain management (e.g., chronic pain, arthritis, muscle tension) Digestive issues (e.g., IBS, bloating, indigestion) Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PMS, menopause, thyroid disorders) Stress, anxiety, and insomnia Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, allergies, colds) Immune support (e.g., fatigue, weak immunity) Skin conditions (e.g., eczema, acne) Detoxification and overall wellness

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are interested in herbal therapy for other health concerns contact Dr. Sloma.

Holistic Healing: Chinese herbal formulas treat the root causes of health issues, not just the symptoms. Dr. Sloma will consider all of your symptoms and your overall constitution to determine the right formula for you.

Natural and Safe: When sourced responsibly and prescribed correctly, Chinese herbal formulas offer fewer side effects compared to pharmaceutical medications, single herbs, or over the counter selections.

Personalized Treatment: Formulas are tailored to individual health needs, addressing the unique constitution and specific concerns of each patient.

At Golden Lotus Acupuncture, your herbal therapy consultation includes a discussion about the best type of herbal medicine for you. Options include:

Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts of herbs. Capsules or tablets: Easy-to-use, standardized doses. Topical applications: Creams and oils for muscle pain, skin conditions, and inflammation.Herbal teas: Great for digestion, relaxation, and detox. “Raw” herbs: Warning - Cooking unprocessed herbs and drinking a traditional decoction is not as appealing as it sounds! This option is only for adventurous patients with plenty of spare time and a strong gag reflex.

Dr. Sloma prioritizes the potency, quality, and safety of the herbal formulas prescribed. That’s why she trusts Kan Herb Company as the preferred brand. Kan Herb manufactures all its products in California, ensuring rigorous control over every step of the production process. From sourcing and testing raw Chinese herbs to manufacturing and packaging, Kan Herb exceeds current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), minimizing the risk of contamination or adulteration. Their formulas, created by masters of Traditional Chinese Herbology, are backed by Certificates of Analysis to confirm potency and purity.

Although Kan Herb Company is the preferred supplier, our primary goal is to meet the individual needs of each patient. To ensure the best possible outcomes, Golden Lotus offers access to a wide range of top Chinese herbal formula brands through our online herbal pharmacy Handcraft Health. With customized prescriptions and convenient drop-shipping, Golden Lotus patients receive the highest quality products suited to their unique health needs.

At Golden Lotus Acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed based on a thorough consultation which includes a health history, current symptoms, examination, and Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. Your treatment goals and lifestyle will also be considered.

Herbal formulas will be delivered to your home from our online herbal pharmacy, Handcraft Health. Your response to the herbal formula will be monitored during your acupuncture visits, during follow up herbal consultations, or via chat in the Golden Lotus patient portal.

A Chinese herbal formula combines multiple herbs that work synergistically to target a specific health concern. Unlike single herbs, which may only address one aspect of a problem, a Chinese herbal formula balances the effects of each herb to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects. A well-designed formula, correctly prescribed, ensures that therapeutic outcomes are achieved safely.

Additionally, use of a formula offers simplicity and potential cost savings compared purchasing multiple herbal products in an attempt to accomplish the same outcomes.

Chinese herbal formulas are generally safe when prescribed by a qualified practitioner, but they can interact with medications or cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It’s important to inform your practitioner of any existing medical conditions or medications you are taking. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with their healthcare provider before starting herbal therapy.

It depends on the complexity and chronicity of the condition treated. Acute conditions may respond within days, while it may take several weeks to show noticeable effects for chronic conditions. Consistency is key, and for long-term benefits, continued use and regular adjustments to your formula are recommended.

Yes, Chinese herbal formulas can safely complement conventional medical treatments. It can help manage symptoms, support recovery, and reduce side effects of pharmaceuticals. However, it is important your herbalist reviews your current medications, which is one component of the Herbal Therapy Consultation at Golden Lotus Acupuncture. It is also important to inform your medical doctor if you are using herbal remedies to ensure safe integration with your current medications.

Dr. Sloma prioritizes the potency, quality, and safety of the herbal formulas prescribed. That’s why she trusts Kan Herb Company as the preferred brand. Kan Herb manufactures all its products in California, ensuring rigorous control over every step of the production process. From sourcing and testing raw Chinese herbs to manufacturing and packaging, Kan Herb exceeds current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), minimizing the risk of contamination or adulteration. Their formulas, created by masters of Traditional Chinese Herbology, are backed by Certificates of Analysis to confirm potency and purity.

The FDA does not regulate herbal remedies. The FDA considers herbal supplements as foods, not medicines—so they are not subject to the same testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations as medicines. This means that finding a trusted herbal supplier is critical to ensure the safety and quality of herbal products.

Golden Lotus Acupuncture recommends Kan Herb products with confidence. We also offer access to a wide range of other trusted Chinese herbal formula brands through our online herbal pharmacy Handcraft Health. With customized prescriptions and convenient drop-shipping, Golden Lotus patients receive the highest quality products suited to their unique health needs.

Herbal formulas should be taken as directed by your practitioner. This may include specific instructions on dosage, timing, and whether to take the herbs with food or on an empty stomach. Following these instructions ensures optimal effectiveness.

Yes, certain Chinese formulas can support weight loss by enhancing metabolism, regulating appetite, and promoting detoxification. A personalized herbal formula, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, can be an effective part of a comprehensive weight management plan.

At Golden Lotus Acupuncture, the term herbal therapy is used to emphasize that there is no ‘magic bullet’ and active participation in the treatment plan is required to attain results.

Herbal formulas prescribed during your Herbal Therapy Consultation or Medical Acupuncture visit can be ordered directly through the clinic. We offer home delivery through our online herbal pharmacy Handcraft Health.

Appointments can be easily scheduled online through our patient portal, by emailing [email protected], or calling (920) 493-0797.

For any additional questions or concerns before booking, contact us.