What is Oriental Medicine? 
The practice of Oriental Medicine includes not only acupuncture, but also herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, Tui Na (a form of therapeutic massage), cupping therapy, Gua Sha (scrapping technique), moxibustion (herbal heat therapy), and Qi Gong (a form of breathing therapy). All of these methods share an equally long history of development, usage, and effectiveness in the maintenance of health, and the treatment of disease.
Oriental Medicine is an ancient medicine that has diagnosed, healed and prevented illness in China for over 3,000 years. It is the pearl of ancient wisdom for your health and well-being and has been able to approach, assist and/or treat many health issues.
Acupuncture is a highly effective health care system that has been continuously refined over the last 5,000 years and is the the oldest continually practiced form of medicine in the world. This gentle, non-invasive medicine has helped millions to get well on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization both acknowledge the efficacy and effectiveness of Acupuncture for a variety of chronic health conditions. Acupuncture is used as both a preventive medicine, as well as a healing medicine to help you overcome chronic or acute health conditions.
What about acupuncture needles?
Acupuncture involves the use of hair-thin, sterile, single-use needles which are inserted into specific points on the body (legs, arms, abdomen, back, head, and etc.). The purpose of the needles is to help your body harmonize itself. Those who are afraid of needles typically change their mind once they see just how thin acupuncture needles are. However, your acupuncture physician can treat you even without the use of acupuncture needles. Your acupuncture physician may also prescribe herbal medicine, nutritional counseling, use cupping therapy, massage techniques (Tui Na), moxibustion (herbal heat therapy), or a scrapping technique (Gua Sha).
How does it work?
Yin, yang and Qi: Balance as the key to health
Acupuncture and herbal medicine form the foundation of Chinese medicine, which is based on the notion of balance. To the practitioner, health is defined as the balance of yin and yang and the smooth flow of Qi (life force) and blood throughout the body. When yin and yang are out of balance, the organ systems begin to malfunction and sickness results.
Imbalance can result from many factors, including mental and emotional stress, improper diet, environmental factors, physical trauma, genetic predispositions, etc. Our number one priority is helping your body regain its balance. The first step is to conduct a thorough evaluation and determine the root of the imbalance.
Evaluation and diagnosis: The tongue and the pulse
Each patient is evaluated using four primary tools: observation, listening and smelling, questioning, and palpation. The information gathered with these tools is used to formulate an overall health picture. Examination of the tongue and monitoring of the pulse play a crucial role in diagnosis. The tongue is the mirror of the body, offering clues about the general state of harmony or disharmony in the body based on its color, moisture, size, coating and any abnormalities present.
Contemporary Chinese Pulse Diagnosis is an exquisite and sophisticated means of understanding the whole person and provides insight into your emotional conditions, traumas (emotional and physical), previous illness, constitution, environmental stressors, lifestyle, and behavioral patterns.
What does acupuncture & herbs help with?
Autoimmune Disorders
Upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinusitis, rhinitis), sore throat, influenza (flu), acute and chronic bronchitis, cough, asthma, epistaxis (nose bleeds), haemoptysis (coughing up blood), loss of voice, hoarse voice, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Cancer
Side effects from cancer treatment therapies (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, drug therapy, and etc.).
Cardiovascular Issues
High blood pressure.
Cosmetic / Weight loss
Eye bags, discoloration on face, sagging, puffiness, dark circles.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Reflux, nausea and vomiting, pain, gas, bloating, indigestion, regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, dysentery, gnawing hunger or loss of appetite, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, colitis, parasitic infestation, hemorrhoids food poisoning.
Gynecological Issues
Painful periods, irregular periods, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual symptoms, pregnancy support, infertility, menopausal symptoms, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammation.
Internal Disease
Supportive therapies are available for Liver / Gall Bladder diseases, HIV, Immune and Digestive support during chemotherapy and radiation therapies, lifestyle support for metabolic conditions.
Mental/Emotional conditions
Anxiety, stress, addictions / compulsions (drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sexual) depression, recovery from traumatic events (childhood/adult emotional traumas such as abuse, divorce and the loss of a loved one), anger management, PTSD.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Back pain, neck and shoulder tension, acute injury to muscles and ligaments.
Neurological Disorders
Spasms and convulsions.
Pain Management
Migraines and headaches, joint pain, chronic and acute pain, restless leg syndrome, sciatica.
Skin Diseases
Acne, chronic rashes, eczema, psoriasis, external scarring.
Systemic Issues
Autoimmune disorders, weakened immunity, allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, neurological disorders, chronic fatigue, cardiovascular concerns/prevention, vision and hearing disorders, sexual dysfunction, hypertension.
Trauma
Recovery from strokes, surgery, pregnancy, accidents, sports injuries, scar tissue.
