Traditional Oriental Medicine is thousands of years old and has been developed and refined down through the centuries.  It is a complete medical system that can be used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease, and improve general health. The basic treatment modalities of Traditional Oriental Medicine include Acupuncture, Herbs, Cupping, Moxibustion, and Tui Na.  There are other adjunct modalities but these are the basic and most widely used.  More than one modality is often used at the same time in order to speed up the healing process and improve the final outcome of treatment.

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles on or near the surface of the skin at specific sites, called acupuncture points, in order to access and influence the flow of “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) throughout the body.  Qi is the natural flow of energy that all living organisms possess. This energy flows through the body along specific pathways that are called meridians or channels.  If this flow of energy is blocked or becomes deficient, then illness can occur. Acupuncture attempts to correct any imbalances in the flow of Qi through the body. Also, attaching a mild electrical current to the needles after they have been inserted into specific acupuncture points can enhance the effects of acupuncture in relieving pain.  This is called electro-acupuncture.  A popular alternative to acupuncture is called acupressure.  This is acupuncture without the use of needles. In this case, acupuncture points are stimulated with finger pressure or a ball shaped instrument specially designed for this purpose. The modality called Tui Na, described below, incorporates many of the concepts of acupressure.

Moxibustion involves the application of heat to specific acupuncture points and is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.  Moxa (artemisia vulgaris or mugwort leaf) is the herb that is used for performing moxibustion. When burned, moxa produces a very penetrating heat that can remove obstruction in the Channels.  Moxa usually comes in a compacted cigar-like shape in which one end is lit and held over specific areas of the body until circulation increases and warmth is felt.

Cupping is another frequently used modality. Cupping  stimulates acupuncture points by applying suction through the use of "cups" made of glass, metal or wood, in which a partial vacuum has been created. Cupping stimulates blood circulation and is often used for low back pain, sprains, swelling and soft tissue injuries.

Tui Na is a form of massage/manipulation that can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as soft tissue injuries, arthritis and orthopedic problems.  Tui Na can be used for treating young children or for patients who are afraid of needles.

Oriental Herbal Medicine is often thought of as the most important aspect of Oriental Medicine and is used to treat most conditions as well as for health maintenance.  The combining of individual herbs into formulas to treat illness and promote health has been tested and developed for thousands of years.  Established or unique herbal formulas can be prescribed to specifically address a patient’s needs at any given time in their course of treatment. Herbal medicine comes in a variety of forms such as pills, powders, tinctures and raw herbs from which you make tea to drink, or plasters to apply topically.