Oriental Medicine

Encompasses a variety of health care therapies and is in fact a way of looking at medicine that integrates all therapies in its understanding. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular in the United States. Other aspects include: Diet, Nutrition, Lifestyle choices, Tai Qi (martial arts/ physical exercise), Qi Gong (breath exercise), Tui’na (massage), and Feng Shui (environmental balance).

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How does the system work?

It has been scientifically determined that human beings are actually unique bio- energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental Medicine has acknowledged that there is vital life force that flows thought all things which is called “Qi”, in the west is is often referred to as “energy”. Energy (Qi) related to the organs and the tendo-muscular system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues; pain or illness results. Oriental Medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances by breaking up any obstruction and encouraging an even flow of Qi, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 23 centuries. Acupuncture and remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. In an Oriental Medicine assessment, your practitioner will diagnose, or differentiate, your condition with a thorough examination which will include an interpretation through medical history, pulse and tongue diagnosis. Your practitioner may also use the following adjunct techniques within your session; Moxabustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Cupping (suction), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), manipulation of the points. There are many different styles of Acupuncture, including; Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Tibetan.

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What is an Acupuncture treatment like?

Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific points on the energetic pathways, known as meridians. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. People are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing. The length and frequency of treatment may vary for each individual and will be determined by Acupuncturist or Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Acupuncture treatments are scheduled according to the nature of your condition. As you improve, fever visits are required. Discuss your treatment plan with your acupuncturist, since each individual is different.

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Oriental Herbology

Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as they were when first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. Most formulas consist of two to eighteen different types of herbs. Formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Hospital studies prescribing individualized complex herbal formulas have demonstrated excellent results with patients who fail to respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments.

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How do I take Chinese herbs?

Modern techniques can transform formulas into pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures to make them easier and more convenient to ingest. Your practitioner may want you to prepare them as they did in ancient times, by boiling them and drinking the herbal soup. Chinese Herbology is considered most safe and effective when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Oriental Medicine.