How are herbal formulas used in treatment? Acupuncture is often combined with herbal therapy when treating various internal medical complaints.  Patients receive an herbal formula based on the pattern diagnosis.  Each person’s case is treated individually focusing typically on the underlying cause and its manifestation.  The formulas themselves are a combination of synergetically acting Chinese herbs.  Herbs are almost never given individually as is done in Western medicine.  This increases the effect of the formula and reduces any unwanted side effects.   These formulas have been passed down for centuries along with detailed use and modifications.  A patient may be given herbs in pill and capsule form or in a powder or tea.