Oriental Medicine
The theories and methods of Oriental Medicine have been used for thousands of years to successfully treat many conditions. Oriental Medicine works by balancing energy of the body (”qi“, pronounced chee). This promotes health and healing. Qi, translated as “life force”, travels throughout a network of channels within the body called meridians. Meridians can be thought of as rivers of energy that irrigate and nourish cells, tissues, organs, and muscles. When qi is flowing freely and evenly through the meridians one is in a state of balance and good health. However, if the free-flow of qi is obstructed or if energy is depleted, then pain and illness may arise. Many factors can contribute to disrupting this delicate balance including injury and trauma, poor nutrition, emotional or physical stress, lack of exercise, overwork, environment, exposure to toxins, and individual constitution.
Practitioners of Oriental Medicine are trained to diagnose and treat a qi imbalance. Oriental Medicine is holistic in nature, so all aspects of a person are considered diagnostically relevant. Even the smallest detail points toward the entirety of an individual. During an initial appointment, practitioners gather informationby asking, hearing, seeing, and feeling. An extensive intake is conducted covering all health aspects. Subtle details are noted such as facial hues and voice qualities. Pulses are taken and variables including rate, depth, strength, and quality are noted. Acupoints (points along meridians commonly stimulated with acupuncture or acupressure) may be palpated to identify tender or reactive areas. A practitioner of Oriental medicine is constantly picking up clues, all of which speak about an individual as a whole and lead to the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Different treatment modalities are used in Oriental Medicine to restore a state of balance and wellness. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, heat therapy, diet and nutrition, massage, and lifestyle suggestions are all modalities a pratitioner is trained to use to treat and prevent illness, disease and pain. Appropriate treatment is considered on an individual basis for each patient. Different treaments may be used to treat the same condition in different people. The same treatment may be used to treat different conditions in different people