Xiao Yao San

Why is it the most popular formula in Chinese medicine AND the #1 selling formula at Natural Point Acupuncture?

As I have mentioned in person and in all of my newsletters and social media – traditional Chinese medicine works because it is tailored to the individual.  We treat the person, not the disease. So, if I have 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, there can be 10 different treatment plans, herbal formulas, and acupuncture points. Some patients are affected by the change in weather, some thrive in the cold, some thrive in warm weather, every person has their own unique metabolism as well as their own lifestyle that lends or hinders their outcome.  

In this day and age, it is harder than ever to be healthy, we are in a fast-paced world with a constant bombardment of misinformation, poor food quality, and toxins all around us.

Doctors, while integral, can either not listen to a patient or are quick to prescribe something for a quick fix.  The key is getting to the root of the problem and not masking it with pharmaceuticals, surgery or other quick fixes. Our health is not just how “we feel” or what comes up in blood work, it is who we surround ourselves with, what we eat or do, when we do it, and where or how we live.

The majority of my patients are stressed out and trying to figure out a work/life balance.  Not everyone can commit to their treatment plan or come as often as they like, in an effort to help, we rely on the importance of herbs in between appointments.  Not only do they get to the root of your problem as well but the combination of acupuncture and herbs can help you get results faster and keep your momentum in between sessions.  I have some patients that love several herbal formulas I carry and just come by to pick up herbs, or an herbal consult if they do not have the time for treatments. Chinese medicine herbs can be food, they are ingredients like ginger, frankincense, yams, flowers, licorice, and other plants, tree parts or veggies.  Herbs are well known and usually easy to digest. While I carry a large variety there is one that is my top seller and most popular among patients. This formula is called Xiao Yao San, in English known as Free and Easy Wanderer. I take it on occasion for sleep (typically Sunday night when I am worried or stressed thinking about the week ahead).

This formula can come in a powder to make a tea, capsule form, tincture (drink), or a foot soak. 

This formula aka XYS has many indications:

• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Enteritis or bloating
• Indigestion
• Constipation or diarrhea 
• Reduces irritability, anxiety and/or depression
• Reduces stress
• Improves energy
• Pain or fullness in hypochondrium area/intercostal
• Generalized body pain
• Heaviness in the head or body
• Dizziness or vertigo 
• Headache
• Low or reduced appetite
• Chills and fever (can be alternating)
• Irregular or painful menses
• Perimenopause 
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth/throat
• Tiredness or insomnia 
• Tenderness, painful or swollen breasts

The main diagnosis is:  Liver qi congestion with blood deficiency and/or spleen deficiency.  This means a congestion or blockage in the liver with your spleen needing or wanting more nutrients. This disharmony causes all of the above symptoms and more.   I try to focus on what you can do outside of my office to help you with your symptoms while I work on the origin of your problems.  This formula harmonizes the spleen and relaxes the liver by helping both organs function better by nourishing yet freeing blockages.  Once your stomach functions better and is more able to abosrb nutrients and your liver is happy you will be in harmony and symptoms will improve or be gone.  

This is a great formula for stress, anxiety, insomnia and stomach issues when under a lot of stress.

This is a formula that has been around for hundreds of years and contains 8 commonly known herbs, to name a few:  white peony, roasted ginger, fried licorice root, and mint. When we are stressed this can cause “fire” or inflammation in the liver so this formula calms the liver by bringing down the fire.  If you have more inflammation signs I prescribe “Jia Wei Xiao Yao San” this is the formula to treat patients with more heat symptoms.

In western medicine, you would typically be prescribed an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac but these come with side effects and the transition to find the right dosage to get the desired effect can be strenuous just as much as trying to wean off them.  

Some common side effects of SSRI’s are: 

• GI (Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, appetite changes, weight loss or gain)
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia 
• Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
• Dizziness
• Sexual problems

Acupuncture is a holistic way to treat stress, anxiety, and depression. If you or your loved one suffers from digestive issues, anxiety, depression or just needs some extra relaxation time to reduce stress, acupuncture is the perfect option. In addition to treating medical conditions, receiving regular acupuncture has been shown to give people more energy, help with sleep, improve mindset and gain clarity. 

Here at Natural Point Acupuncture, we specialize in treating anxiety, depression and reducing stress. Schedule your appointment today.