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Oriental Medicine is designed to restore balance to the body by recognizing subtle patterns that arise in our physiology. By asking detailed questions, the Acupuncturist determines where the imbalance lies, and how the problem needs to be treated. Treatments with Acupuncture are very individualized, so two people presenting with what seems on the surface to be the same problem may require very different treatment. Many people have more than one health complaint, which often can be treated at once. The multiple symptoms will comprise a traditional diagnostic pattern in Oriental Medicine.
Integrative medicine is becoming increasingly common as Americans are seeking alternatives to traditional health care. Acupuncture and herbs are wonderful tools for dealing with our health complaints.
Disease and discomfort result from imbalance. Many physical complaints can be greatly improved or eliminated with the use of acupuncture and herbs. There are also great benefits for the mind and spirit.
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A series of meridians which traverse the body inside and out were discovered and mapped out five thousand years ago. Each meridian system influences the internal organs and glands as well as the bones, muscles, and tendons of the body area it traverses. Along these pathways lie the acupuncture points. Tiny needles, as thin as a human hair, are inserted at these acupuncture points, which in turn stimulate the brain by affecting the electrical conductivity at the point.
Recent studies have confirmed that, depending on the problem being treated, the brain will either release biochemical messengers, regulate nerve impulses, or block pain receptors at sites along the meridians when the needles are used precisely according to the traditional method. In this way, the body uses its own resources to heal itself.
In traditional Chinese medicine, amazingly developed thousands of years before modern advances in neurobiology and biochemistry, each meridian system is known to influence the internal organs and body areas, as well as having emotional and spiritual aspects. In this system, the insertion of needles along the meridians is said to affect the flow of the body’s energy or qi, (pronounced ‘chee’) and thus restore the body, mind, and spirit to balance and health. How the Chinese were able to design a system that is able to effectively and repeatably program the nervous and endocrine systems to cure various ailments using only needles and without the benefit of modern medical tools such as MRI scanners and microscopes is a mystery we will probably never solve.
Only pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used in this clinic.
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Herbs are a very important aspect of Oriental Medicine. Each herb has certain qualities that enable it to restore balance and create a state of health for the individual. The herbs are combined together in formulas to increase their therapeutic effects, as well as diminish any negative reactions.
Some herbs fight disease through antibacterial and anti-viral actions, while others help build our immunity, calm the nervous system, or increase vitality. Herbs influence the organ/meridian systems directly to enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatments. Herbs are very safe when taken appropriately under the guidance of a professional herbalist. Because Chinese herbs can be as potent as many Western pharmaceuticals, it is recommended that they only be used with the guidance of a professional herbalist for the dosage and formulation appropriate to the diagnosis.
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For more information:
- To learn more about herbs, visit this site.
- National Institutes of Health Fact Sheets for some of the most well known medicinal herbs
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Dear Serina,
- What is acupuncture good for?
The following are some of the conditions which Oriental Medicine treats:
- stress reduction, depression, weight and metabolism issues, hormonal imbalance, headaches, nausea, digestive disorders, muscular pains, joint pains, PMS, skin conditions, injuries, insomnia, allergies, asthma, headaches, constipation, fertility issues, prostate problems, TMJ, gall bladder disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, high or low blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems, colds and flu, bladder problems, bed wetting, memory problems, gynecological imbalances, prostate problems, increase to overall vitality/energy, rejuvenation of skin and complexion, drug and alcohol addiction, smoking addiction, weight control, anxiety, phobias
These are just a few of the areas that Oriental Medicine can treat by recognizing your symptom patterns to give you the individualized treatment you need.
Dear Serina,
- Is acupuncture just some kind of new age thing, or is there any scientific support for it?
Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture has real benefits. Acupuncture is gaining increasing acceptance both by insurance companies, and by the public, and the reason for this is that it WORKS! The World Health Organization of the United Nations (WHO) lists the following diseases as being effectively treated by Acupuncture:
- UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT
acute sinusitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis - RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma - DISORDERS OF THE MOUTH
toothache, post extraction pain, acute and chronic pharyngitis, gum problems - GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISORDERS
spasms of esophagus and cardia, hiccough, gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, chronic or acute duodenal ulcer, acute and chronic colitis, acute bacilliary dysentary, constipation, diarrhea - NEUROLOGICAL AND MUSCULOSKELATAL
headache and migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy, effects following stroke, meniere’s disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, bedwetting, intercostal neuralgia, cervicobrachial syndrome, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis pain
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Links to items on other sites related to Acupuncture, Herbs & Chinese Medicine:
- This site contains diverse information on acupuncture, including testimonials. It’s the best place to visit if you are new to acupuncture.
- For another description of acupuncture, vist Acupuncture Today magazine. This site also contains full text articles on the latest advances in acupuncture treatments.
- To learn more about herbs, visit this site.
- National Institutes of Health Fact Sheets for some of the most well known medicinal herbs
- Includes many resources and links
- This is the address for the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Use this site to search for the latest information on scientific studies and clinical trials.
- A direct link to acupuncture factsheet at the NCCAM — excellent explanation of acupuncture and overview of current scientific research. Contains extensive glossary and references to studies.