What is Oriental Medicine?
Although Oriental Medicine is most commonly associated with acupuncture, it is actually a holistic, 3 tiered system for balancing the mind, body and spirit. The 3 branches that make up the Oriental Medicine system are acupuncture, herbs (as well as nutrition), and integrative mind-body exercises.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has existed for thousands of years. Many people think it has been around for at least 3000 years and some evidence suggests it may even be as much as 5000 years old.
Today, most modern practitioners use something called TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which became popular after Mao. Sometimes chiropractors, physical therapists and even medical doctors will utilize acupuncture points or needles as well, but this is usually quite different that the type of acupuncture treatment you would get from a TCM practitioner. In fact, acupucnture styles can vary quite a bit amongst licensed acupuncturists and it is important to find a practitioner's style that fits you.
Sometimes, you may hear of 5-Element or Classical Acupuncture. These styles are strongly based on the types of acupuncture used pre-Mao and a lot of times there is a stronger emphasis on the emotional causes of dis-ease. I gravitate towards the 5-element and Classical Acupuncture styles and I often integrate them into my treatments depending on the patient's needs.
Herbs and Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of Oriental Medicine is Chinese Herbs and nutrition. For centuries, herbal medicine and dietary alterations have been used to help heal the body.
Often times, Westerners are a bit nervous about using herbal medicine. However, many of the herbs we use are actually things they many people already have in their spice cabinets at home. For example: cinnamon, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, licorice root, and even honey are all common Chinese Herbs.
Nutrition, and the concept of letting food be thy medicine, also plays an important role in Chinese Medicine. A lot of times we can change our health by making simple changes to our diet. My favorite dietary advice actually comes from the author Michael Pollan and is: "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants."
Meditation and Qi Gong
Qi Gong, Tai Qi, and meditation play and important role in the practice of Oriental Medicine. Qi Gong is an ancient form of qi or life force building exercise that has existed for over 1000 years. It is often a slow moving meditation similar to Tai Qi. Tai Qi, however, is considered a martial art because it was designed with the idea of defense in mind whereas Qi Gong is purely peaceful art.
Any type of Qi exercise is beneficial and cannot be done improperly. The best form is the one that works for you. My personal favorite is called 1000 Hands Buddha, which was taught to me by a teacher who could trace her family lineage of qi gong and medical practitioners in China over 1000 years. I am always happy to discuss Qi Gong and the various forms I am familiar with so please feel free to ask questions.
Exciting News!
Acupuncture has now returned to Gainey Village Health Club and Spa!
To begin getting relief call 480-609-6980 to schedule an appointment.