Oriental Medicine is a whole system of medicine that integrates many therapies and is applied by practitioners to treat illness and diseases. Of these therapies, acupuncture and Chinese herbology are the most popular in the United States. Some additional therapies include: diet, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, as well as tai qi and qi gong (physical exercise), and tui'na (manual therapies).
How Does This System Work?
It has been scientifically determined that human beings are unique bio-energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called "qi" (pronounced ‘chee’). In Western culture, it is often referred to as "energy." Energy (qi) flows along pathways in the human body which are related to the organs, the muscular system, and nervous system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, then pain or illness results. Oriental medicine focuses on correcting these imbalances, which stimulates the body's natural ability to heal itself. In other words, Oriental medicine focuses on treating the factors that cause disease.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2000 years. Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. Your practitioner may also use the following adjunct techniques within your session; Moxabustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Cupping (suction), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), electrical or laser stimulation, or even manual manipulation of the points.
Acupuncture is a complex branch of ancient Chinese medicine, but its practical principles and methods are easily understood.Fourteen major energy channels called MERIDIANS course through the human body including arms, legs, feet, torso, head and internal organs.A subtle energy called QI (pronounced CHEE) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body, even the remotest cells.QI IS THE VITAL FORCE, the presence of which separates the living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical to sound health.Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction and ill health.With acupuncture needles, or other means, the acupuncturist stimulates certain acupoints along the course of the meridians. Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of Qi so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as needed, THIS SETS THE STAGE FOR THE BODY TO REPAIR ITSELF AND MAINTAIN ITS OWN HEALTH.
