Oriental Medicine encompasses a variety of health care therapies and is a way of looking at medicine that integrates all therapies in its understanding. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular forms of Oriental Medicine in the United States. Other aspects included diet, nutrition, lifestyle choices, Tai Qi (martial arts/physical exercise), Qi Gong (breath exercise), Tui’na (massage), and Feng Shui (environmental balance).
For thousands of years, oriental medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called “qi” (pronounced “chee”). In the west, qi is often referred to as “energy”. Energy (qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs and the tendo-muscular system. Pain or illness results when the balance of this energy is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues. Oriental medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances by breaking up any obstruction and encouraging an even flow of qi, which stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Oriental medicine is used not only for pain management but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. Athletes use oriental medicine to achieve optimum performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems. Headaches and migraines may be eradicated or managed with the help of acupuncture.
Learn more about acupuncture and oriental medicine, read our faq’s, and schedule an appointment with Marie Healy at Acupuncture Healing Arts Center today!