About Oriental Medicine
As a complex medical system, Traditional Oriental Medicine has treated and prevented illness for thousands of years. This system of healing approaches the patient as a "whole" being, composed of body, mind, and spirit, and strives to achieve a balance between nature and the two mutually interdependent forces of yin and yang.
The advances and benefits of science and technology in the past decades have been dramatic, resulting in many enhancements in our everyday lives. Even now, science and technology are actively focusing upon many issues which concern everyone in the world, the most important being health care, quality of living, and the environment.
Freedom from disease and a healthy, long life are the wishes and desires of mankind and are the foundational source of happiness. Both Western and Eastern Medicine offer many benefits for solving everyday health problems. Correctly and suitably choosing the best techniques, treatments, and equipment may be part of the key for solving these everyday and other more serious health concerns.
Today, Oriental Medicine is being re-examined and its
position within modern medicine is greatly expanding. The number
of people seeking acupuncture treatment is increasing yearly; in
fact, throughout the world both primary acupuncture care and
treatment are readily available for many of today's health care
needs. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are now at the
forefront in the development of a new humane medicine.
In the USA (and many other countries), the positions of Oriental medical Doctor and Licensed Acupuncturist have been established. Also, in March 1996, the FDA accepted the acupuncture needle for registration as a Class II medical device.
TCM utilizes acupuncture, Herbology, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling to achieve and maintain optimum health and prevent illness, In addition to acupuncture, additional modalities are available to further enhance the healing process, including moxibustion, herbal supplementation, cupping, electroacupuncture, and massage techniques.
About Our Medicine
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Acupuncture - Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Moxibustion
- Electrical Stimulation
- Tui Na
- Gua Sha
- Diet Therapy
- Qigong
- Cupping
The practice of acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body by the insertion of hair thin needles. Acupuncture points along particular meridians are used to activate the body's own energy to facilitate healing. Both the root cause, as well as the symptoms of the condition are addressed in an effort to restore the bodies natural flow of energy or "balance."
The insertion of acupuncture needles has been shown to stimulate the release of several naturally occurring substances. One of these is cortisol, a major stress hormone known to improve the bodies response to stress. There are also two powerful opiate-like neurotransmitters known as endorphins and enkephalins that when activated modify the physical response to pain. Thirdly, the release of substance P is essential in the body's ability to deal with pain.
The insertion of acupuncture needles has also been shown to enhance blood and energy circulation in the affected areas of the body producing an anti-inflammatory response in the damaged tissues.
Acupuncture is effective, safe and compatible with other systems of health care.
Oriental Medicine also incorporates a traditional system of herbal medicine that focuses on the specific individual needs of the person. Chinese herbal formulas are effective and safe. They come in many forms including teas decocted from raw herbs, prepared pills and tablets, powders or granules, and liquid tinctures. There is a rich tradition of empirical evidence as well as modern scientific research to support the appropriate use of Chinese herbs.
Moxibustion is a traditional method of applying heat over acupuncture points to relieve tension and invigorate cold areas of the body. Artemisia argyi (ai ye), a species of mugwort, is usually rolled and held over the acupuncture point until a pleasant warmth is felt.
Low level electrical current may be connected to the needles and adjusted until a sensation is felt. The frequency and strength of the electric pulse can be varied to achieve the desired effect for each patient. Electro-acupuncture stimulator units enhance point stimulation for treatment of pain.
This style of therapeutic massage incorporates grasping, pressing and precise rubbing methods used to stimulate acupuncture points, manipulate the soft tissues and enhance the flow of energy throughout the body. The versatility of tui na allows for effective treatment of musculoskeletal and internal disorders.
Gua Sha is an ancient deep massage technique commonly used on the back to release acute and chronic pain and tension from the muscles. It is often applied with medicinal oils which further enhance the circulation of blood.
The Chinese have long recognized that proper nutrition is essential in maintaining good health and vitality. Chinese medicine allows for a careful analysis of diet with recommendations explained on an individual basis.
Meditation, focused movement and breathing techniques are empowering tools employed by Qigong to heighten the awareness of the connection between the body and mind. A practitioner may recommend a few simple repetitive "exercises" to begin encouraging movement without pain.
To increase the flow and circulation of Qi and blood, glass globes are applied to the skin over acupuncture points. Slightly heated, these cups create a vacuum suction to draw the stagnated Qi and blood to the surface of the skin to help restore their smooth flow.
See also, Conditions Treated and Find a Practitioner.