What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China for at least 4000 years and is used widely throughout Asia and Europe. It is considered as one of the newest primary health care provision in this country. Acupuncture has grown as both western and oriental physicians, medical researchers, and the public experience it, integrate it in their health care, and spread it’s benefits.

For more than a technique of inserting tiny threadlike needles along the meridians of the body, acupuncture’s complex system of diagnostic corollaries take into consideration the person as a whole, not just isolated symptoms. Acupuncture is practiced based on discerning the “pattern of disharmony” and treating accordingly. Modern acupuncture utilizes other modalities as well, such as herbal medicine and moxibustion, exercise and nutrition.

Acupuncture treats to strengthen the physical condition, prevent disease, control pain, and achieve longevity. The aim as practiced in oriental medicine in general is not necessarily to eliminate or alleviate symptoms. The objective, rather, is to increase both the ability to function and the quality of life.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a therapy which uses natural laws and energetics with the application of needles and pressure to specific points on the body. These points are grouped along specific pathways or meridians that cross the body. As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is blocked for any reason, there is disruption of health, resulting in pain and illness. By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is released and regulated, and health is restored.

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central nervous system. Evidence shows it is particularly effective in pain control. Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It improves circulation, releases endorphins to control pain, and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.

What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine is a traditional medicine that is based upon Oriental philosphy .
In the process of defending against the diseases for thousands of years, the discovery of effective herbal medicine was made. Through the innumerable practices, experiences, and realization, oriental herbal medicine was developed and systemized theoretically.

Each individual herb has different properties such as taste and temperature and enters different organs in the body. When the herbs are combined, through the mutual harmony, the treatment effect is increased and side effects reduced.

After a diagnosis is made, the formula of the herbs is adjusted to fit the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis.

The formula brings about the treatment effect by regulation Qi (Energy), Blood and Body Fluids which are the fundamental substances that form the body.

Since Oriental herbal medicine is also based upon Yin-Yang and the five elements theory, when it is used in conjunction with acupuncture, it gives total harmony and balance to the whole body, thus maximum treatment effect can be acquired.