What is Oriental Medicine?
Oriental Medicine is over 2,500 years old and originated in Asia. It includes several treatment modalities such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, massage, and nutrition. It is practiced in China, Korea, Viet Nam, Thailand, Tibet, India, and Japan. However the practice of this medicine has started to spread worldwide, including here in the United States.
This medical system is based on the concept that the human body has a vital life force, called Qi. When the Qi flows in a smooth and balanced manner throughout the body, health is predominant. When the Qi flow is blocked or imbalanced, pain and illness occurs.
Oriental Medicine is holistic in theory and treats the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. It looks to treat the root cause of the issue, not just the symptoms. For this reason, Oriental Medicine is capable of treating many chronic problems that Western Allopathic medicine has little to no success in treating.
In 1994, the FDA approved acupuncture needles as "safe and effective medical devices." This was followed in 1997 by a consensus statement issued by the National Institute of Health, which recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. The World Health Organization recommends the use of acupuncture for at least 49 specific conditions. Of course, Asians have successfully treated with Oriental Medicine for thousands of years. Now, however, the WHO and NIH have conceded that acupuncture does indeed work, and a good deal of exciting research is underway to discover more uses for this traditional healing technique.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most people do feel something, but not necessarily a sharp sensation like when you get an injection. Acupuncture needles are about twice the size of a human hair and are filliform (solid, not hollow) since we don't have to take something out or put something into your body. However, when you put the metal needle into the acupoint you will feel a kind of surge. This may be pulling, distending, tingling, radiating or a numbing sensation. Once the needles are in place the sensation subsides and you should be able to sleep during your treatment. During your treatment you may feel a mild humming or buzzing in your body. Some patients amusingly call this their "needle nap."
Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with the acupuncturist. He will be glad to speak with you.
Getting the Most from Treatment
To promote best treatment results please keep these things in mind:
- Please show up on time
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid treatment when exhausted, hungry, extremely full, or under the effects of alcohol/drugs.