subject: Oriental Medicine Incorporates Acupuncture, Herbs And Massage For Treatment [print this page] Used for thousands of years, Oriental and Chinese Medicine have promoted a holistic approach to health and wellness. By combining acupuncture treatment, medicinal herb supplements, massage, exercise and dietary therapy, practitioners of Oriental medicine work to utilize many modalities of diagnosis and treatment, while complimenting and supporting the work of other physicians.
Many people in the U.S. have received relaxing massages at day spas or have taken yoga classes to reduce stress, but these practices are often combined with other treatments through a Naturopathic doctor or practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Modern and ancient texts as well as clinical experience shows diagnosis and treatment protocols for illnesses and injuries that have plagued humankind for centuries, which are still utilized today.
Often times, practitioners of Oriental or Chinese medicine will first work with a patient to discuss their physical, nutritional, emotional and environmental goals as well as their spiritual and lifestyle values. This allows the patient to feel a part of their wellness program, and engaged in the changes they may make to improve their overall health. After this discussion and analysis, treatment for ailments or health improvements can begin.
Acupuncture, one of the oldest methods of treatment for a variety of health issues, involves inserting filiform needles into various points on the body, aiming to relieve pain or symptoms for the patient. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is treated as a whole unit with many different systems of function within it. Acupuncture treats those areas very specifically through needles being placed on corresponding pressure points. This treatment can be used for a variety of issues from anxiety and headaches to weight loss and spinal pain.
Also utilized in Oriental or Chinese Medicine is therapeutic massage, which often allows for a focus on the patient's chronic pain, injury, or relaxation. These massages often involve deep breathing and aromatherapy to encourage meditation. Exercise such as yoga and Qigong are also commonly used in clinical practice. Qigong is a Chinese medicine technique which involves slow, graceful movements and relaxation to promote the circulation of qi (or energy flow) within the body. The goal with these exercises is to increase the patient's physical and mental strength as well as enhance overall wellness.
Through a variety of practices, Chinese or Oriental medicine aims to treat the entire patient - mind and body. Practitioners of this ancient medicine promote lifestyle changes for their clients so that long-term mental, spiritual and physical health improves.
