What is Oriental Medicine?

ACUPUNCTURE

TRADITIONAL CHINESE HERBS

Acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine. It was developed in ancient China. It has been used successfully for many centuries. Acupuncture can treat many different health problems, and is know to be very safe. Treatments are done by highly trained practitioners, using fine solid metal needles. They are inserted at special locations just beneath the surface of the skin. The needles are sterile, and they are used one time only, then thrown away. Some patients do not feel the needles. Others feel some mild sensations.
Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental medicine. Although what is called acupuncture in the West comprises several different therapies (such as moxibustion and cupping), mostly it consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of 2,000 years, and there are more than 1,000 known acupoints. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.

Traditional Chinese Herbs are used to treat a variety of illnesses or painful conditions. Specific herbal formulas can be used along with acupuncture. Herbs can help the body's systems to heal or work better. Herbs can be strong medicine, so it is important to follow the dosage directions carefully.
The Chinese materia medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners) contains hundreds of medicinal substances—primarily plants, but also some minerals and animal products—classified by their perceived action in the body. Different parts of plants such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds are used. Usually, herbs are combined in formulas and given as teas, capsules, tinctures, or powders.

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Electro-Acupuncture is similar to acupuncture, but is of recent origin (20th century). A mild electric current is applied to the needles. Some patients feel a mild tingling sensation when electro-acupuncture is used.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that can be used with acupuncture or electro-acupuncture. Heat is applied near the skin at special locations. A traditional herb is used in moxibustion treatments.

*Many patients receive a combination of therapies for the maximum benefit to their health. The practitioner will advise you about which therapies are best for you, based on your condition and what you are comfortable with.

CUPPING

Cupping is another therapy that may be used by the acupuncturist. This therapy is frequently used on the back. Glass cups are often applied using heat and suction.

GUA SHA

Gua Sha is a healing technique used in Asia by practitioners of Traditional Medicine, in both the clinical setting and in homes, but little known in the West. It involves palpation and cutaneous stimulation where the skin is pressured, in strokes, by a round-edged instrument; that results in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that will fade in 2 to 3 days.