Eastern Medicine

Eastern Medicine is a holistic medical system dating back over 3,000 years. It is based on an energetic medical model, with its main focus on "Qi" – the vital energy present in all living organisms. Eastern Medicine is used worldwide to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve a person’s state of health. Therapeutic goals are directed at preventing disease, treating the underlying root cause of an illness and alleviating the present symptoms. Many therapeutic modalities are used in Eastern Medicine – most notably are Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. 

In a state of good health, Qi is abundant, balanced and flowing like a river through energetic pathways in our bodies. These pathways called meridians, circulate throughout the body nourishing all of our organs, tissues and cells. Problems arise when one’s Qi is weak, not flowing properly or obstructed. 

Many factors can lead to an imbalance in the body. Physical and emotional stress, illness, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, toxins and injury will result in a compromised state of Qi. By influencing the quantity and quality of Qi, Eastern Medicine helps to restore balance in the body, strengthen physiological systems and maintain optimal health. 

By asking detailed questions and assessing specific physical features, I am able to develop a picture of each patient’s internal constitution. From this viewpoint, a diagnosis is made based on the individual rather than the symptom alone. Each treatment is customized to heal at the root level so that lasting health can occur. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a complex branch of Eastern Medicine, is the ancient science and art of regulating the body’s physiology through the insertion of very fine needles. Stimulation of these needles at designated points along the meridians function to create specific therapeutic effects in the body. Acupuncture is a safe, effective and relaxing therapy used as a dynamic approach in the prevention and treatment of disease, and the restoration of health. I have been offering acupuncture for over 20 years and absolutely love the effects it has had on my clients. It is so amazing to witness how regular acupuncture treatments continue to change lives.

The history of acupuncture began in China and has been documented for over 3,000 years. However, it has only been known in the United States since 1971, when an American journalist returned from his trip to China and wrote about this odd therapy used in China as a form of surgical anesthesia. Since then the acceptance of acupuncture has grown rapidly. The National Institute of Health and The World Health Organization recognize acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems and numerous studies have concluded the positive effects of acupuncture. 

With Westerners experiencing the healing powers of acupuncture on such a profound and deep level, the demand for it is exploding. Millions of Americans are making visits each year to their acupuncturists for a wide variety of ailments with positive results.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

The Chinese pharmacopeia lists over 6,000 different medicinal substances, 600 of which are in common use today. As the oldest practiced system of herbal medicine in the world, the healing properties of these medicinal substances have been studied and utilized extensively. 

Anywhere from 2-20 medicinal substances are combined in a formula to facilitate the unique therapeutic goals of each patient. 

Traditionally, a formula is taken as a custom-made tea, prepared and consumed daily. Formulas are now available in many forms although not all are customized. Other forms of herbal preparations include; manufactured herbal pills, plasters, tinctures, drafts and highly concentrated granules. 

Chinese herbs may be an important part of your treatment plan. However, in order to reach and maintain a therapeutic level it is necessary to take them consistently. I will explain your options in depth so that you may choose a form that will work for your lifestyle. 

Other Modalities

Other modalities that may be used within the Eastern Medicine scope of practice:

  • Acupressure- applied pressure to a point or meridian area

  • Breathing, Relaxation & Meditation techniques

  • Cupping- the use of suction cups on the skin

  • Diet advise & health education- based on East Asian medical theory, including the recommendation and sale of herbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutritional supplements

  • Eastern exercise techniques- such as qi gong and tai chi

  • Electrical, mechanical or magnetic devices- to stimulate acu-points and meridians

  • Gua sha- dermal friction technique

  • Infrared devices- to stimulate points or areas of the body

  • Ion pumping cords- to stimulate the flow of qi in the meridians

  • Laserpuncture- the use of lasers to stimulate points or meridians

  • Moxabustion- burning of herbs over an area or point

  • Point injection- includes injection of substances, limited to saline, sterile water, herbs, minerals, vitamins in liquid form, and homeopathic and nutritional substances, consistent with the practice of Eastern medicine.

  • Sonopuncture- the use of a sounding device over an area or point

  • Superficial heat and cold therapies

  • Tui na bodywork and Eastern massage