Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture

Oriental medicine is the oldest professional, continually practiced, literate medicine in the world. This medical systems written literature stretches back almost 2500 years and is currently in use by 1/4 of the world’s population. Today the World Health Organization (WHO) has endorsed it for worldwide use because of its effectiveness in the following conditions:

Chronic and Acute Pain –
Injuries, headaches, neck and back pain, tendonitis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome,
fibromyalgia

Neurological Disorders –
Post-stroke recoveyr, Bell's Palsy & Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders, circulatory
issues

Upper Respiratory Disorders –
Asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, laryngitis, colds and flu.

Digestive Disorders –
Irritable bowel, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, food allergies, ulcers, nausea

Urinary and Reproductive Disorders –
Cystitis, menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms. Labor
Induction, pregnancy conditions, kidney stones, nocturia, incontinence, UTI.

Immune Function –
Recurrent infections, supportive treatment fo cancer and AIDS patients.

Addictions –
Addictions to nicotine, alcohol and drugs.

Eye and Ear Disorders –
Tinnitus, Meniere's disease, ear infections,dry eyes, vision problems.

Emotional-
Depression, Anxiety & Insomnia, Post Traumatis Stress

Oriental medicine is based upon an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of western medicine. Fundamental to this system is the understanding of the vital energy behind all life forms and processes called Qi, chi or prana. This energy flows along specific pathways called meridians. Each meridian is associated with a particular internal organ system or physiological process. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians or their associated physiological systems. Pain in the body and other symptoms that are seemingly unrelated in light of our western concept of anatomy and physiology can be explained by the oriental understanding of the energy body and can be dealt with in a way that addresses the underlying imbalance in the system. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Acupuncture is effective not only for syndromes relating to the area in which it is applied but can effect the functioning of specific biological processes as well. Today, Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus validating the locations of meridians mapped by the ancients.
Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of the body, meridians and points, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite oriental medical diagnosis. The treatment plan is then formulated to induce healing of the body and a restoration of health. The plan may include acupuncture, herbology, moxibustion, bodywork and dietary therapy based on traditional oriental medicine principles.
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relived only with slow, steady progress and adherence to the treatment plan. As in any form of healing, the patients attitude, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are asked to participate in their healing process.

Oriental and western medicine are complimentary. Although oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by integrating western medical treatments.