What Is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental Medicine is an ancient holistic art of healing the whole body and mind as one inseparable unit. It is based on scientific observation over thousands of years. Although it was only introduced to the United States some 30 to 40 years ago, Oriental Medicine has been evolving for somewhere between 3,000 to 5,000 years. Over that period, its use has been fine-tuned and its knowledge passed down from one generation to the next. Things that did not prove their effectiveness fell out of use. Each generation of practitioners built upon the discoveries of the last. We continue to gain a deeper understanding of the patterns that govern the human body and mind and how to keep us happy and healthy, knowing the two are the same.

Oriental Medicine utilizes a variety of different modalities to treat the patient depending on what is called for in the particular patient’s situation. These modalities include acupuncture, the prescribing of herbal formulas, gua-sha, cupping, moxibustion, and others.

Unlike western medicine where the patient often takes a passive role in their care, Oriental Medicine encourages every patient to be an active participant in their wellness and healing. Oriental Medicine utilizes a variety of lifestyle adjustments to aide and accelerate the effectiveness of clinical treatment. Patients are encouraged to incorporate wellness techniques such as meditation, modification of certain dietary habits, practicing breathing exercises and gentle movement exercises like Tai Ji and Qi Gong, and making peace in their lives.

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