New Chinese Herbal Medicine Dispensary Manager Keeps Expanding Herbal Knowledge
Allen Sayigh, the new dispensary manager at Bastyr Center, became interested in Chinese herbs after he found them effective for his own health issues. His own experience and research, coupled with his long-time interests in Eastern spirituality and philosophy, martial arts and Qi gong, led him to pursue further knowledge by enrolling at the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine (SIOM) in 1996.
Allen graduated in 1999 with a master of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Since then, Allen has made a living by working with Chinese herbs. In June, he became manager of Bastyr's Chinese herbal medicine dispensary. His responsibilities include formulating herbal remedies for patients and overseeing the dispensary's operations. He also maintains a private practice in acupuncture and Oriental medicine in Seattle.
Although Allen has a depth of knowledge and experience with Chinese herbs, he continues to expand his herbal expertise. He is currently taking a six-weekend course to study the Shang Han Lun, one of the classical Chinese herbal medicine texts. "The uses of Chinese herbs have been well-catalogued over the past 2,000 years," says Allen. "This history is what makes them fascinating and also extremely effective," he says. "It's a very precise method of treatment."
Chinese herbs are particularly effective for people experiencing digestive problems, headaches, menstrual problems, chronic fatigue, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and various other chronic ailments. Chinese herbs can be purchased by prescription only at Bastyr Center. To add Chinese herbs to your health regimen, call our Chinese herbal medicine department at 206.834.4102.
