Frequently asked questions about our consultations…

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Due to the Palisades Fire, our clinic is temporarily unavailable. All consultations are currently being conducted via telemedicine. We’ll ask you to email photos of the affected areas of your skin before the appointment. Additionally, please send a clear picture of your tongue for diagnostic assessment.

What can I expect during the consultation?

The holistic dermatology consultation determines what is unique about you. What inner imbalances led to lesions expressing on your skin? What other symptoms do you have? What kind of work do you do? What is your emotional state and how do you respond to stress?

During telemedicine appointments, Dr. Antonia Balfour, will carefully examine the photos you’ve provided to assess your skin condition and tongue. For traditional in-person appointments (when available again), Dr. Balfour examines your skin directly, takes photos to record status, and feels your pulse in addition to examining your tongue.

Once she identifies the areas of imbalance, she puts together custom herbal formulas and recommends the best topical treatment (which may come in the form of an herb wash, cream, ointment, masque or gel). She also recommends beneficial foods as well as foods to avoid.

How long will it take to heal my skin?

Treatment times vary depending on the severity of the condition, the length of time it’s been active, and the age and overall health of the patient. Some conditions clear up in as quickly as a week. Severe, long-term conditions may take four months to six months or even more to fully resolve.

How often will I be seen for consultations?

Herbal formulas need to be changed as the condition evolves. Sometimes only one consultation is necessary and, after one batch of herbs, the skin is healed. Severe cases take longer to resolve, with ongoing changes to the herbs prescribed. As an example, a patient with a severe case of psoriasis may come in for the initial consultation, then two to three weeks later return for a follow up and new herbs. After that there will ongoing consultations every 3 weeks – with new herbs given each time. Topical treatment with ointments and creams may also change over time.

I don’t live near Los Angeles. Can you still help me?

Yes! We provide telemedicine consultations for patients everywhere. You’ll need to supply high quality photos of your skin taken with good lighting and detail, as well as a clear photo of your tongue.

How are herbs administered?

• Internal herbs in the form of vacuum sealed packets that are pre-cooked and simply need to be warmed up (*most common)
• Powdered granules which are generally only given in mild to moderate cases or when patients are traveling.
• Glycerine-based tinctures ~ given to babies and toddlers (although babies and toddlers are generally treated with topical herb tea baths – tinctures are recommended infrequently).

How much will it cost?

• Consultation Fees: Initial – $225; Follow-ups – $85.
• Internal Herbs – cost can vary greatly. Dermatology requires strong dosages of herbs, and we are dedicated to finding the highest-grade herbs which undergo strenuous testing for quality. Premium herbal blends cost approximately $315 – $360 per 3-week batch (~$105-$120 per week). Powdered herbs cost less, but are only recommended in certain cases when Dr. Toni thinks they’ll be effective. She’s happy to discuss all options with you to find the most affordable path to complete healing. But our practice focuses on results. Here’s a link to read more about different methods of taking herbs.
  
• Patient prices for topical products (creams, salves, toners, serums, etc) generally range from $25 – $55.  If large areas of skin are affected larger jars of certain creams and salves are available from some of our trusted sources.
  

Herbal therapy is given for a limited amount of time. Once the skin has healed and the body has stabilized, treatment is complete.

Will I need acupuncture?

Generally Chinese herbs are the mainstay of treatment and acupuncture is not necessary. But in a condition where there is pain (like shingles, for example) acupuncture is highly recommended. Some patients choose to have regular acupuncture alongside herbal therapy for the overall health and relaxation benefits.

When are organic facials recommended?

Organic facials are a great complement to herbal therapy for conditions such as acne and rosacea.

What should I do next?

You may schedule your Yin Yang Dermatology telemedicine appointment using our online booking feature. Your booking will be confirmed by email.

If you have questions about how holistic medicine can help your skin condition, please feel free to contact the clinic.