Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) philosophy holds that all forms of life are sustained by the constant flow of a vital energy called qi (pronounced “chee”). When qi is in disharmony, illness occurs. Therefore, maintaining an unobstructed flow of qi is the key to wellness. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine restore health by strengthening the body’s qi and enhancing its flow.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine therapies are some of the safest and most widely-researched forms of complementary and alternative therapy in the world. They are also one of the oldest – more than 2,000 years old.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of techniques that treat illness and improve health by stimulating specific points on the body by inserting fine needles – causing little or no discomfort. The use of fine sterile needles at acupuncture points along the body adjusts the flow of qi related to a particular organ system or meridian. Balancing qi helps the body maintain or return to a state of health.
Oriental medicine
Oriental medicine is a combination of herbal remedies and therapeutic bodywork used to treat disharmony in the body. It employs the use of more than 400 herbs, plants, minerals, and animal products in treating illness and pain. Herbs can be administered in raw or pill form, or dried and powdered to make a tea. A treatment plan is individualized for each patient and often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can treat:
- Headache and migraine
- Muscle and joint pain
- Gastrointestinal disorders and digestive issues
- Women’s health issues
- Respiratory problems and allergies
- Immune system disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Smoking and other addictions
Additional techniques and therapies
Other TCM techniques and therapies may be used for your individual treatment plan.
Pulse Palpation
The pulse provides vital information about the qi, and the location and nature of disharmony. Pathological changes in the body are often reflected in an abnormal pulse.
Tongue Diagnosis
The outward appearance of the tongue can indicate disharmony elsewhere in the body. Tongue diagnosis can provide important clinical information to your acupuncturist.
Cupping
A heated jar is suctioned to the skin to increase blood circulation to the treated area. It is often used to break up stagnation of qi and blood.
Moxibustion
The burning of a dried medicinal herb on or near certain points of the body. Moxibustion is used to strengthen the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
Qi Gong
A set of meditative movements which are designed to improve health and longevity. The goal is to achieve a sense of balance within oneself and in the world.
Tui Na
Tui Na (or Tuina, pronounced “twee-nah”) is a Chinese form of bodywork and manual therapy. It makes use of different strokes and pressures that are applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups and serves to relieve pain and help to regulate the flow of qi and blood.
