Chinese herbal medicine in Wokingham, Berkshire

Chinese herbal medicine is one of the world's oldest and most comprehensive systems of medicine. With a history stretching back over 2,000 years, it has evolved into a sophisticated medical discipline with its own diagnostic framework, pharmacopoeia and clinical traditions. At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is one of very few fully qualified Chinese herbalists practising in Berkshire, offering personalised herbal prescriptions alongside acupuncture and lifestyle guidance.

On this page

1. About Chinese herbal medicine
2. Conditions treated
3. Are Chinese herbs safe?
4. Why use Chinese herbs instead of acupuncture?
5. What to expect
6. Frequently asked questions
7. Our Chinese herbalist

About Chinese herbal medicine

In the UK, Chinese medicine typically refers to Chinese herbal medicine. In Asia, the term encompasses all forms of traditional therapy – acupuncture, herbs, massage (tuina), and dietary and lifestyle guidance – and all of these disciplines are traditionally practised together.

Chinese herbs are derived from plant materials – leaves, flowers, bark, roots, seeds and stems – each with a unique therapeutic action, flavour and temperature property. Rather than using single herbs in isolation, Chinese herbal medicine prescribes precisely formulated combinations of herbs – typically 10 to 15 ingredients – that work together to address the root cause of a problem while managing symptoms. These formulas are highly personalised and adapted at each appointment as the patient's condition evolves.

Chinese herbal medicine works at a systemic level, addressing the underlying patterns of imbalance in the body rather than simply suppressing symptoms. This makes it particularly suited to complex, chronic and multi-symptom conditions that conventional medicine can struggle to address.

Conditions treated

Chinese herbal medicine can be effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Fertility – PCOS, irregular cycles, endometriosis, poor sperm quality, recurrent miscarriage
• Women's health – menopause, perimenopause, PMS, painful or heavy periods
• Digestive health – IBS, bloating, constipation, acid reflux, gut dysbiosis
• Skin conditions – eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea
• Chronic pain – arthritic pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia
• Fatigue and low energy – chronic fatigue, burnout, adrenal depletion
• Immune health – recurrent infections, allergies, autoimmune conditions
• Mental health – anxiety, insomnia, low mood, stress
• Respiratory conditions – chronic cough, asthma, recurrent colds

Chinese herbal medicine is often used alongside acupuncture for a more comprehensive treatment approach, particularly for fertility and chronic conditions.

Are Chinese herbs safe?

All herbs used at Wokingham Therapy Clinic are of the highest quality, sourced from reputable suppliers who comply with UK and international quality standards. Dr (TCM) D'Alberto prescribes herbs individually, tailored to each patient's specific health profile, and monitors for any reactions at follow-up appointments.

Chinese herbs are typically prescribed in powder form, which is dissolved in hot water and taken as a tea. Alternatively, they can be encapsulated in tablet or capsule form, which is more convenient for daily use and reduces the taste. Dr D'Alberto will discuss the most appropriate preparation for you at your initial consultation.

Some Chinese herbs can interact with pharmaceutical medications, so it is important to inform your herbalist of all medications you are taking. Dr D'Alberto will consider any potential interactions when formulating your prescription.

Why use Chinese herbs instead of acupuncture?

Chinese herbs and acupuncture are complementary treatments that work differently. Acupuncture primarily regulates the nervous system and bodily functions, stimulating the body's self-healing mechanisms through needle stimulation. Chinese herbal medicine, by contrast, works internally to supplement, tonify and restore what the body is lacking, and to clear what is in excess.

Chinese herbs are particularly effective for:

• Conditions where the body is depleted or deficient – such as poor egg quality, low sperm count, fatigue or anaemia
• Chronic skin conditions where internal treatment is needed
• Complex conditions that require sustained systemic treatment between acupuncture sessions
• Patients who are needle-phobic or unable to attend regular acupuncture appointments

In traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine is often the primary treatment and acupuncture is used as a supporting therapy. In clinical practice, the two are commonly combined for more complex or long-standing conditions.

What to expect

Your initial consultation with Dr (TCM) D'Alberto will last approximately 60 minutes. He will take a detailed history of your main complaint, your wider health, lifestyle and diet, and will examine your tongue and pulse – traditional diagnostic techniques used in Chinese medicine to identify patterns of imbalance in the body.

Based on this assessment, Dr D'Alberto will prescribe a personalised herbal formula tailored to your specific diagnosis. He will explain what the herbs are intended to do and how to take them, and will answer any questions you have. Follow-up appointments are typically every two to four weeks, at which point your formula will be reviewed and adjusted if needed based on your response to treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly will I see results?

This varies depending on the condition and the individual. Some patients notice improvements within the first week; for chronic, long-standing conditions, it may take four to eight weeks of consistent treatment to see significant change. Your herbalist will give you a realistic indication of the expected timeline at your initial appointment.

Are Chinese herbs regulated in the UK?

The herbs used in Chinese herbal medicine are regulated as food supplements in the UK. However, the practice of prescribing them is not currently regulated by law, which is why it is important to ensure your herbalist has a recognised qualification and professional registration. Dr (TCM) D'Alberto holds a Bachelor of Medicine in TCM from Beijing University, one of the most rigorous herbal medicine qualifications available anywhere in the world.

Can I take Chinese herbs alongside my prescribed medication?

Some herbs can interact with pharmaceutical medications, so it is important to tell your herbalist about all medicines you take. Dr D'Alberto will review your medications before prescribing and will avoid any herbs that could interact with them. In many cases, Chinese herbs can be safely used alongside conventional medicine.

Our Chinese herbalist

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto BM (Beijing), BSc (Hons) TCM, MBAcC, MATCM

Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto has been practising Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years. He is passionate about empowering people with the ancient knowledge of Chinese medicine through lifestyle and diet.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine from Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China – a full-time, five-year degree programme that included six months of clinical internship at two of the largest hospitals in Beijing.

Dr (TCM) D'Alberto specialises in fertility and pain, though he can also help with many other health conditions. He is one of the very few qualified Chinese herbalists practising in Berkshire.