Print this page
![[bamboo100_92.jpg]](http://www.aomam.org/uploads/images/bamboo100_92.jpg "[bamboo100_92.jpg]")
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice in which disease and pain can be treated and prevented through the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy circulates in numerous pathways, and pain and disease are the result of a blockage or imbalance in this energy. Through acupuncture points, usually located in small depressions in the skin where the pathways come closest to the surface, this energy can be accessed and balanced to return the body to its natural vitality.
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. The needles are sterile and used only once. The selection of points is based on a specific diagnosis. The needles, when inserted produce different sensations, such as numbness, tingling, warmth, or a feeling of heaviness. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and revitalizing.
Auricular Acupuncture the practice of preventing and treating disease and pain by stimulating certain points on the ear. When disease occurs in an internal organ or other parts of the body, reactions will also appear at corresponding points in the ear. For example, someone who is struggling with pneumonia or bronchitis, may also have tenderness, discoloration, or skin changes at the point in the ear that corresponds to the lungs.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture the practice of preventing and treating disease and pain by stimulating certain points on the ear. When disease occurs in an internal organ or other parts of the body, reactions will also appear at corresponding points in the ear. For example, someone who is struggling with pneumonia or bronchitis, may also have tenderness, discoloration, or skin changes at the point in the ear that corresponds to the lungs.
The needles used for auricular acupuncture are generally smaller and finer than body acupuncture needles. Auricular acupuncture may be performed in conjunction with body acupuncture or by itself. Auricular acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of addictions, such as smoking, chemical use, and weight loss.
Practitioners of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology rely on herbal formulas, combinations of herbs, to aid in balancing the body and promoting health. Chinese Herbal Pharmacology is an important treatment modality for many practitioners. Herbalists today draw on formulas that have been in use for hundreds, and even thousands of years. Herbs come in many forms, including pills, capsules, powders and raw. Raw herbs are cooked in hot water and taken like a tea. The Chinese herbal pharmacy includes plant substances such as leaves, twigs, berries, roots and seeds as well as seaweeds, minerals, insects, and animal substances.
Chinese Herbal Pharmacology
Practitioners of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology rely on herbal formulas, combinations of herbs, to aid in balancing the body and promoting health. Chinese Herbal Pharmacology is an important treatment modality for many practitioners. Herbalists today draw on formulas that have been in use for hundreds, and even thousands of years. Herbs come in many forms, including pills, capsules, powders and raw. Raw herbs are cooked in hot water and taken like a tea. The Chinese herbal pharmacy includes plant substances such as leaves, twigs, berries, roots and seeds as well as seaweeds, minerals, insects, and animal substances.
It is important to know that endangered animals that were traditionally used as part of Chinese herbal medicine are no longer used today. Chinese Herbal Pharmacology is effective for a number of reasons. Herbal formulas are very specific to the individual patient. Practitioners will often modify a formula as an illness or condition changes. In addition, people taking herbs can augment their acupuncture treatment, and continue their care at home until their next visit.
Cupping is a method of treatment that uses suction to move energy and blood. Fire is used to quickly burn the oxygen inside a glass cup which is then placed on the skin. The lack of oxygen inside the cup creates a vacuum that generate suction when placed on the skin. The cups may be left in one position on the body or slid across the skin to affect a larger area.
Cupping is especially effective for painful conditions. Most frequently, the back or larger muscles of the legs or arms are cupped.
Moxabustion is a warming method that involves the use of the herb Artemesia vulgarius. The artemesia may be loosely rolled into cones or tightly rolled into a stick, and is lit and placed near the body, usually at specific acupoints. The smoke produced is extremely warming and penetrating.
Moxabustion originated in the northern part of China, which has a cold and dry climate. It is commonly used to treat cold conditions such as arthritis that becomes worse during cold weather.
Oriental bodywork is the use of massage or Tui Na, which is a form of Chinese massage, to treat a variety of conditions. Oriental bodywork usually incorporates the stimulation of acupoints and energy pathways in a massage format to achieve the best results. Oriental bodywork may be used for any condition, but is especially effective for musculoskeletal conditions. A practitioner may work on the entire body or just the affected area.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that lifestyle and diet play a large role in health and illness. As a result, most practitioners offer lifestyle guidelines on topics such as stress reduction, exercise, and sleep.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that food is the same as medicine. Therefore, most practitioners will offer advice and guidelines about dietary choices. Dietary therapy may consist of ways to improve digestion and choosing easily digestible and nourishing foods, or they may prescribe foods that nourish a particular organ system or function in the body.
The Chinese word Qi is used to describe the energy that flows through all living things and connects all life together. When Qi is flowing smoothly in the human body, the body can perform its necessary functions. When the Qi is stuck, or there is not enough of it, the body is unable to perform its duties and illness occurs. The word Gong means “work” and Qi Gong means “working with energy”.
Qi Gong is an umbrella term that describes movements designed to harmonize and balance the flow of Qi in the body. Qi Gong includes tai chi, other martial arts and meditation. There are many forms of Qi Gong practice. Some are very active and others are more tranquil. Breathing is a very important aspect of Qi Gong.
Many Oriental medicine practitioners practice Qi Gong themselves to ensure health and well-being. They may teach certain Qi Gong movements to their patients to facilitate quicker healing. Medical Qi Gong can be taught to patients or can be performed by the practitioner to help heal the patient. It can take the form of healing touch or hands-off energy healing.
Qi Gong can be very relaxing and calming while fostering inner awareness and peace. It aids in stress reduction and can be taught to anyone. Qi Gong can be performed standing, sitting, or lying down. To find out more, ask your local Oriental medicine practitioner about Qi Gong resources in your area.
Cupping
Cupping is a method of treatment that uses suction to move energy and blood. Fire is used to quickly burn the oxygen inside a glass cup which is then placed on the skin. The lack of oxygen inside the cup creates a vacuum that generate suction when placed on the skin. The cups may be left in one position on the body or slid across the skin to affect a larger area.
Cupping is especially effective for painful conditions. Most frequently, the back or larger muscles of the legs or arms are cupped.
Moxabustion
Moxabustion is a warming method that involves the use of the herb Artemesia vulgarius. The artemesia may be loosely rolled into cones or tightly rolled into a stick, and is lit and placed near the body, usually at specific acupoints. The smoke produced is extremely warming and penetrating.
Moxabustion originated in the northern part of China, which has a cold and dry climate. It is commonly used to treat cold conditions such as arthritis that becomes worse during cold weather.
Oriental Bodywork
Oriental bodywork is the use of massage or Tui Na, which is a form of Chinese massage, to treat a variety of conditions. Oriental bodywork usually incorporates the stimulation of acupoints and energy pathways in a massage format to achieve the best results. Oriental bodywork may be used for any condition, but is especially effective for musculoskeletal conditions. A practitioner may work on the entire body or just the affected area.
Lifestyle & Dietary Therapy
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that lifestyle and diet play a large role in health and illness. As a result, most practitioners offer lifestyle guidelines on topics such as stress reduction, exercise, and sleep.
Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that food is the same as medicine. Therefore, most practitioners will offer advice and guidelines about dietary choices. Dietary therapy may consist of ways to improve digestion and choosing easily digestible and nourishing foods, or they may prescribe foods that nourish a particular organ system or function in the body.
Qi Gong
The Chinese word Qi is used to describe the energy that flows through all living things and connects all life together. When Qi is flowing smoothly in the human body, the body can perform its necessary functions. When the Qi is stuck, or there is not enough of it, the body is unable to perform its duties and illness occurs. The word Gong means “work” and Qi Gong means “working with energy”.
Qi Gong is an umbrella term that describes movements designed to harmonize and balance the flow of Qi in the body. Qi Gong includes tai chi, other martial arts and meditation. There are many forms of Qi Gong practice. Some are very active and others are more tranquil. Breathing is a very important aspect of Qi Gong.
Many Oriental medicine practitioners practice Qi Gong themselves to ensure health and well-being. They may teach certain Qi Gong movements to their patients to facilitate quicker healing. Medical Qi Gong can be taught to patients or can be performed by the practitioner to help heal the patient. It can take the form of healing touch or hands-off energy healing.
Qi Gong can be very relaxing and calming while fostering inner awareness and peace. It aids in stress reduction and can be taught to anyone. Qi Gong can be performed standing, sitting, or lying down. To find out more, ask your local Oriental medicine practitioner about Qi Gong resources in your area.