ACUPUNCTURE
Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced “chee”). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called ‘meridians’. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.
Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have arisen over a course of years may be relieved only with slow, steady process. As in any form of healing, the patients attitude, diet and determination affect the outcome over a course of treatment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:
Gastrointestinal disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis
Urogenital Disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction
Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, infertility in women or men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis
Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia
Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including depression and anxiety
Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine and drugs
Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders