Throughout its history, the two major pillars of Chinese medicine have been Chinese herbalism and acupuncture. Despite the fact that Chinese herbalism is lesser known than acupuncture here in the West, the documented use of Chinese herbal formulas predates that of acupuncture. Chinese formulas, as opposed to single herbs, are prescribed to treat both acute and chronic conditions and can be administered internally or externally.

Internally administered herbal formulas can take the form of decoctions (teas), granules, or capsules (tea pills).

Decoctions involve placing raw herbs in water and boiling them for a set period of time before straining the liquid to drink, while granules involve mixing herbs in their powdered state with a small amount of water to drink.

Externally administered herbal formulas can take the form of soaks and compresses, liniments, salves, plasters, patches, oils, and poultices.