Rafal Gierula
Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

My expertise is in Dermatology, Autoimmune, Infertility, and Psycho-Emotional Health. As fully trained TCM Herbalist, I have extensive knowledge of the properties and effects of different plants and can prescribed a specific herbs combinations to help with various health conditions.

Being fully-trained and licensed by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine, I only prescribe quality-assured Chinese herbal medicines from RCHM-approved suppliers. These suppliers must reach certain industry standards and demonstrate that the herbs are manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. This ensures that patients only ever receive safe herbal medicines of the highest quality.

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CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE

Takes a holistic view of health and well-being: rather than focusing on the surface level and treating individual symptoms alone, the approach seeks to establish the root cause of underlying problems so that overall balance and harmony can be restored.

Herbal medicines harness the interactions between different compounds found in herbs to treat illness. Herbs can act on the body as powerfully as pharmaceutical drugs and should be treated with the same caution and respect.

Nearly 500 different plants are used in Chinese Herbal Medicine - including roots, stems, flowers, leaves and barks, alongside some plant-base materials, such as resins.

ONCOLOGY

Chinese Herbal Medicine has been used for thousands of years to help support patients with cancer. It is often used as a complementary therapy to conventional cancer treatments, such as Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy, to help alleviate side effects and improve overall well-being. Here are some ways in which Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to support patients with cancer:
 

1. Boosting the immune system: Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to strengthen the immune system, which can be weakened during cancer treatments.

2. Reducing side effects of cancer treatments: Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to alleviate side effects of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain.

3. Improving overall well-being: Cancer and its treatments can take a toll on a patient's overall well-being, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can improve overall well-being.

It's important to note that while Chinese Herbal Medicine can be a helpful addition to cancer treatment, it should never be used as a substitute for conventional cancer treatments. It's essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider and a licensed herbalist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Before prescribing Chinese Herbal Medicine, I will make a comprehensive assessment of your general health, including diet and lifestyle factors, your medical history and any symptoms or issues you wish to address. As part of the Chinese medical diagnosis, I will also look at your tongue and take a reading of your pulse. 

At the end of this assessment, I will be able to establish if Chinese Herbal Medicine is suitable for you and what to expect in terms of improved symptoms. I will then prescribe a bespoke blend of Chinese medicinal herbs to address the health issues raised, which normally includes between 5-20 different herbs. Each patient and condition is different, so my herbal prescriptions are highly tailored to meet your individual needs.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Chinese Herbal Medicine is suitable for anyone looking for a natural way to restore their health and well-being. You will always be asked for a list of any medications or supplements you are taking so we can advise you on appropriate treatments.

HOW DO YOU TAKE THE HERBS?

Chinese medicinal herbs are usually prescribed to be taken orally on a daily basis, but some are available as granulated extracts or as dried whole herbs. With dermatological issues such as eczema or for painful muscoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, herbs may be prescribed for external use as a creams, ointments, wash or bath soak.

WILL THERE BE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Side-effects are uncommon in Chinese Herbal Medicine if you follow the prescribed dosage. However, as your body adjusts to the herbs, you may experience minor digestive issues such as temporary nausea or changes to bowel movements. If this occurs, it’s important to rest and stay hydrated until the issue passes – usually within a day or so as your body rebalances itself.

WHERE DO THE HERBS COME FROM?

All of our herbs are plant-based and are free from animal products. I only use herbs from suppliers approved by RCHM.

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ACUPUNCTURE, TUINA, and GUASHA 

Alongside herbal medicine, you may also receive Acupuncture, Tuina, and Guasha treatment and dietary advice to improve your general health and create the most optimal environment for the healing process. These treatments are included in my herbal medicine treatment fee.  Please note: All non-needling treatments are included in my acupuncture treatment fee.

Qualifications

I graduated from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, with a corresponding Bachelor of Science degree from Kingston University. I qualified as a Chinese medicine herbalist after completing an additional 2-year PGDip in Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Northern College of Acupuncture in York.

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Professional Registrations
I am fully insured member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), the only UK organisation to focus on the herbal element of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The RCHM works to uphold standards of excellence in Chinese Herbal Medicine and its allied practices in the UK.

FEES

HERBAL MEDICINE

First consultation £65 - 90 mins

Follow up sessions £55 - 60 mins

The cost of herbs: Prescribed herbal formula - the average cost per day is £2.60 - £3.60

Herbal tincture 21 days treatment - £24.50

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ACUPUNCTURE

First consultation £65 - 90 mins

Follow up sessions £55 - 60 mins

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Please note: All non-needling treatments are included in my acupuncture treatment fee.

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