For Christian Iwanicki, owner of Soul and Arrow Acupuncture, Chinese herbs are more than just a complementary therapy—they are a vital pillar of recovery that bridges ancient wisdom and modern needs. With over a decade of study in Eastern medicine, Christian’s journey with Chinese herbs is one of passion, exploration, and a mission to empower patients with holistic health solutions.
“I studied herbs throughout my four years of Chinese Medicine school, but I noticed how often they were treated as a supporting act to acupuncture,” Christian explains. Early last year, inspired to deepen her practice, she pursued specialized training in herbal medicine. The results have been transformative. “These herbs have been the missing link, helping my patients reach higher levels of restoration.”
Chinese herbal medicine is steeped in history, with formulas that have been used for thousands of years. Yet, its efficacy is as relevant today as ever. “It’s amazing how much research is being published daily in China and Taiwan, studying the effectiveness of these formulas on conditions ranging from cancer to mental health,” Christian shares. This blend of ancient knowledge and modern science highlights the versatility of Chinese herbs.
Some herbs may help on your journey towards wellness. The possibilities are vast, but Christian has seen particularly impressive results for menstrual and hormonal disorders, migraines, insomnia, anxiety, digestive problems, and fertility challenges. “The beauty of Chinese medicine is its holistic approach. Herbs treat the individual, not just the symptoms,” she says.
“The way that Christian Iwanicki operates is something that cannot be explained by anything other than her gifted wisdom. I have experienced absolute renewal based on her instincts and the practice that she has put in place with me from acupuncture to the Chinese herbs,” says Kim Thomas, one of Christian’s current patients.
For those curious about herbs but hesitant to try acupuncture, Christian highlights their unique strengths. “Herbs act daily, like acupuncture you can take home. They’re especially effective for internal conditions, like digestive or autoimmune issues, while acupuncture is excellent for musculoskeletal pain.” However, she stresses that the two therapies work best in tandem—“like peanut butter and jelly.”
Misconceptions can discourage people from exploring Chinese herbs, from fears about safety to skepticism fueled by online misinformation. Christian counters these concerns by emphasizing the rigorous quality standards of the herbs and their long history of use. “Unlike trendy supplements that offer dubious benefits, Chinese herbal medicine looks at the whole person and delivers real, measurable results,” she says.
Ultimately, Iwanicki believes the power of herbs lies in their ability to restore balance.
“The beauty of Chinese medicine is its holistic approach. Herbs treat the individual, not just the symptoms,” says Christian.