What is Oriental Medicine?
Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that dates back thousands of years. Oriental Medicine
is used to treat many chronic and acute illnesses, as well as maintain optimum health in those individuals
who wish to prevent disease. Because a person is viewed as a complete energetic system, Oriental Medicine seeks
to balance the mind, body and spirit. This treatment of a person as a whole and not individual parts makes
raditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) the first Holistic health care.
Oriental Medicine utilizes many modalities to treat illness. Among those modalities are acupuncture, acupressure,
cupping, moxabustion, massage and herbs. Oriental Medicine promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative
power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall bodily function and well-being.
It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of problems. In fact, The National Institue of
Health and the World Health Organization recognizes Oriental medicine to be effective in the treatment of a wide
variety of medical problems such as;
- Addiction (alcohol, drug, smoking)
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Colitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Common Cold
- Constipation and Diarrhea
- Depression
- Digestive Trouble
- Dizziness
- Emotional Problems
- Facial Paralysis
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache/Migraine
- Low Back Pain
- Menopause
- Menstrual Irregularities
- Morning Sickness
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Nausea
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Rhinitis/Seasonal Allergies
- Sciatica
- Sinusitis
- Sleep Disorders
- Sore Throat
- Stress
- Tendonitis
What is Acupuncture?
Qi or “Life Force” flows through a network of twelve pathways or “meridians”. Each meridian is internally connected
to specific organs or glands. Along these meridians are specific acupuncture points which affect the corresponding organ
system. When the acupuncture points are inserted into these specific points, the meridians are opened to allow the qi to
flow properly, thus restoring health by balancing and harmonizing the energy in the body. From a Western perspective,
these points increase blood flow and aid in reducing inflammatory response to speed healing. They also stimulate hormonal
changes, such as releasing endorphins, in order to aid in the reduction of pain.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used
for sore muscles, tension, neck and back pain and the common cold. In this therapy your acupuncturist will place small glass
cups over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat. The cups may be moved or left in place.
What is Moxabustion?
Moxabustion is a treatment that uses the herb Mugwort. The herb is burned on the needle or over a specific point.
This is used to warm the acupuncture points or areas in order to quicken the healing process.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
Herbal medicine is a powerful method of healing. Chinese herbs treat the full range of human disease, from acute conditions
such as the common cold to chronic conditions such as asthma. Herbs are especially effective for promoting the body’s ability
to heal and recuperate. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs that only treat symptoms with the risk of unwanted side effects, Chinese herbs
treat the underlying condition, restoring the body’s balance, strengthening the immune system and rarely causing unwanted side effects.
What to expect at your first visit.
Congratulations! By choosing Oriental Medicine, you’ve taken a great step toward a more balance, healthy lifestyle.
Traditional Oriental Medicine has helped millions of people regain and maintain their health.
Initial visits usually last from 60 to 90 minutes. Your acupuncturist will take a detailed history and a physical exam,
followed by your treatment. Your acupuncturist will also employ diagnostic tools that are unique to Oriental Medicine such
as looking at your tongue and feeling your pulse. Once your acupuncturist has gathered enough information, you’ll receive
a comprehensive diagnosis and a treatment plan that will explain your underlying imbalances, your time line of care and your
treatment plan.
In order to get the most from your treatment please make sure to show up on time, have a light meal prior to your visit and make
sure you discuss any questions and concerns with your acupuncturist.
During your acupuncture treatment your therapist will place hair thin, fine disposable stainless steel needles into specific points.
When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, different sensations may be felt, however it is not painful. Often people experience
warmth, tingling, pressure or fullness at the site where the needle is inserted. Many people experience extreme relaxation during their
treatment and actually fall asleep.
