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Oriental medicine is a comprehensive system of health care
with a clinical history of more than 3000 years. Oriental
medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology and bodywork,
dietary therapy and exercise based on traditional Oriental
medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural
vital energy inherent within all living things to promote
the body's ability to heal itself. This system of health
care is used extensively in Asia and is growing in popularity
in the West.
How does Oriental medicine work
Oriental medicine
is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical
model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized
a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes.
They called this energy qi (pronounced chee). In developing
an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease,
healing practitioners discovered that energy flows along
specific pathways called meridians. Each pathway is associated
with a particular physiological system and internal organ.
Disease arises due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy
in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.
Acupuncture points
are specific sites along the meridians. Each point has a
predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through
it. Modern science has measured the electrical charge at
these points, corroborating the locations of meridians.
Traditional Oriental Medicine uses an intricate system of
pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians,
medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a
composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated
to induce the body to a balanced state of health.
Benefits/Contraindications
Many conditions
may be alleviated very rapidly by Oriental medicine. However,
some conditions that have developed over a course of years
will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in
any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination
and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment.
Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their
healing process.
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