Herbal medicine is targeted to provide relief from specific disease processes and may be prescribed using either Chinese or Western methodology. Chinese methodology uses a special system of disease diagnosis that focuses upon rectifying qi flow within the body. Multiple herbs are often mixed together to mutually enhance their properties. While Chinese herbal medicine does relieve symptoms of disease, it works to support the whole body and stop the disease process at its source. Western methodology in contrast, takes a more pharmaceutical approach to treatment, pairing specific herbs to relieve specific symptoms and focusing more on tissue function rather than energy flow. While Western methods also combine herbs into formulas, single herbs are more often prescribed for relief of specific symptoms. Both methods are effective and are often used in conjunction with each other at Holistic Pain Solutions.

Nutritional supplementation aims to restore health by providing nutrients to support body functions. Unlike herbal medicine, nutrients are not targeted to specific disease processes. Rather, body systems are supported by providing nutrients that may be missing or being consumed in inadequate quantity in the diet. In many cases, symptoms may be relieved with nutritional supplementation alone, but the combination of nutrients with herbal medicine allows therapy to target specific symptoms while providing overall support for the body.