What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses for over 5000 years. It includes not only Acupuncture but also Chinese herbology, bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise, and is based on traditional Oriental medical principles.

Oriental Medicine predates western medicine by thousands of years, and as a system stands on its own as a primary care modality. It is grounded in ancient Daoist philosophies concerning universal patterns of movement and balance, and unlike the predominant “localized” approach, it views health holistically as interrelated spheres of influence: mind, body and spirit; individuals and their environments; and a constantly interactive web of experience, awareness, and intention.

Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Bodywork strengthen one’s physical and emotional body – to help prevent disease, control pain, soothe and alleviate chronic conditions, and enhance the quality and longevity of life. Practitioners do not treat a diagnosed disease alone – the focus is instead to discern patterns and conditions which harbor and perpetuate imbalances that manifest as disease and illness. The many modalities employed in Oriental Medicine influence energetic pathways – “meridians” – bringing the whole being into equilibrium with both internal and external influences. Current trends in health care show that by integrating these eastern practices with western (allopathic) medicine, patients are better able to enhance and deepen the effectiveness of their efforts to live healthier, more balanced and energetic lives.

Oriental Medicine Treats:

Chronic Illnesses

Preventative Health
Children’s Health
Liver Problems
Shingles
Dizziness

Addictions

Alcoholism

Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety/Depression

Circulatory Disorders

Stroke
Arteriosclerosis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Ulcers
Gall Bladder Disorders

Gynecological Disorders

Menopause
Post-partum care
Morning sickness

Pain Syndromes

Headache/Migranes
Sports Injuries
Back & Hip pain/Sciatica
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Respiratory Disorders

Asthma
Cough/Bronchitis

Skin Disorders

Rashes/Urticaria

Urogenital Disorders

Stress incontinence
Chronic bladder infection

What To Expect

The initial visit involves an extensive intake to assess medical history, diet, lifestyle, stress, emotions, environmental influences and symptomatology. Oriental medicine diagnoses and treats syndromes rather than diseases.

Diagnostic procedures usually include specific questions about physical functions and mental processes, examination of tongue and pulses, and some palpation to detect areas of deficiency or stagnation. Unique to this medicine is an examination of the patient’s tongue and the taking of a patient’s pulses. These methods allow the practitioner to better understand the internal environment of the patient. Both are more intricate than with Western models. For example, pulse-taking involves six pulse positions allowing the practitioner to understand all 12 meridians. The tongue can show internal heat or cold, deficiency, excess conditions, etc.

Depending on patient preferences and indicated treatment protocols, massage, acupressure, acupuncture, heat therapy, essential oils, cupping, or various other techniques may be applied to achieve longer-lasting results in a shorter amount of time. Individually-tailored granular herbal formulas may be suggested, and dietary/exercise recommendations recommended for daily maintenance between visits.

Subsequent visits last 45 minutes to an hour, and the frequency of treatments will vary with each individual and their needs. Acute syndromes might need two to three treatments per week while the general protocol for treatment of chronic syndromes is four to six weekly treatments. Once a patient realizes satisfactory results from treatment, they are encouraged to maintain a seasonal maintenance schedule in order to stay in balance.

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by Acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have developed over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, I will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine should be seen as complementary to Western medicine.