What Is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine is a comprehensive system of health care that has diagnosed, treated and prevented illness for over 2,500 years.  Its therapies include acupuncture, moxabustion, herbal medicine, tui na (massage), diet and lifestyle counseling, meditation and exercise.  These modalities work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself.  Currently used by one quarter of the world's population, Oriental medicine can treat hundreds of clinical disorders.  It is also used for preventative care, health maintenance or improvement, for the side effects of other treatments, and as a complement to other forms of medicine. 

What Is Acupuncture?

Very fine, solid, stainless steel disposable needles are used today for acupuncture.  The sensations associated with acupuncture vary from point to point, from person to person, and from one condition to another.  Words commonly used to describe these sensations include pulling, tingling, aching, electric, distending or heavy.  Rest assured that Acupuncture is quite different from the feelings associated with receiving an injection or having blood drawn.  Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during their treatments.  Acupuncture is safe, effective and has virtually no side effects.

How Does It Work?  

Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine.  Over 2,500 years ago a system of energy flowing throughout the body was discovered.  This energy is called Qi (chee), and is translated as "life force" or "breath".  Its movement can be perceived along specific pathways called meridians.  The acupuncture points are specific places along these meridians where Qi can be influenced.  The movement of Qi in the meridians is assessed by a system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, which combined with other signs and symptoms, identifies patterns of disharmony and imbalances in the flow of Qi.  Oriental Medicine has observed that if the body's Qi becomes depleted or blocked, disease may result.  The goal of any treatment is to achieve a balanced and smooth flow of Qi, thus yielding enhanced health and wellness.  Most importantly the patient is seen as an integrated whole where mind, body and spirit are inseparably connected.  The underlying cause of imbalance is sought and treated to ensure that the problem does not recur.