Oriental Medicine as a healing method dates back several thousand years and is deeply rooted in the even more ancient natural philosophy of Taoism. Over the centuries Oriental Medicine evolved as a practice and means of maintaining health and balance, not only physiologically, but also with respect for the movements and transformations within the natural world.
One salient idea that has translated well to the West is the idea of Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is often understood to mean “energy” as it is described as an immaterial and motive force that exists within all things.
Modern physics also purports that matter itself is made up of energy. The early Taoist practitioners and shamans came to understand and form ideas of how energy moves and flows in the body and in the world. Disruptions in these flows came to be understood as a primary source of pain and Illness. Lifestyle, diet, injury, and pathogenic influences all contributed to support and/or disrupt the body’s natural balance and flow of energy. Over the centuries, these early ideas were expanded upon through observation, study, and practice, informing the medicine that we continue with today.
ANCIENT MEDICINE, MODERN AILMENTS
The persistence and longevity of Oriental Medicine speaks to its effectiveness as a modality of healing. Otherwise, it most likely would not have survived the centuries, much less the advent of modern Western medicine. Much of the recent acceptance of Oriental Medicine speaks to the fact that it “works.” Though its theories may be foreign and strange, patients do get results, and their chronic “untreatable” conditions often improve and resolve.
Oriental Medicine can treat the following disorders:
Gastrointestinal: food allergies, peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, and gastritis.
Urogenital: stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunctions.
Gynecological: irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation; infertility; and premenstrual syndrome.
Emotional and psychological: depression, anxiety, and addictive disorders such as alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs.
Supportive therapy for other chronic and debilitating disorders.
IT’S NOT JUST FOR PAIN ANYMORE
Most people think of acupuncture primarily as a treatment for pain, and these contacts represent the main reasons that individuals seek out an acupuncturist. But acupuncture, since it works with the body’s own innate healing mechanisms, is very effective for a variety of conditions. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s ability to treat 43 common disorders, including:
Respiratory disorders such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.
Disorders of the bones, muscles, joints, and nervous system such as arthritis; migraine headaches; neuralgia; insomnia; dizziness; and low back, neck, and shoulder pain.
Circulatory disorders such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and anemia.