Oriental Medicine includes the practice of acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and other techniques. Modern professional acupuncture, rooted in Chinese medical practice, dates back some 3000 years. Based on the principles of Chinese Medicine, the human body is not merely a combination of mechanical and chemical parts, but an energetic, integrated system whose health depends on keeping all its elements in balance. Oriental Medical theory explains that human beings have a natural flow of energy through the body, and that pain and disease are caused by an imbalance, deficiency or blockage of this energy, called Qi. Qi circulates in the body along channels called meridians. An acupuncturist analyzes the individual client’s energy patterns and uses needles and herbs to bring them into harmony. The well-balanced, freely circulating energy creates an environment in which the body, mind and spirit can heal itself.
There are many books written about Chinese Medicine. On the top of my list I have the most comprehensive and easy to read books. As the list goes on, the reading matterials require a more in-depth understanding.
-
The Web That Has No Weaver, Understanding Chinese Medicine, Ted J. Kaptchuk O.M.D.
-
The Theoretical Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Systems of Correspondence, Manfred Porkert.
-
The Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicine, An Essential Guide to Natural Therpies, Dr. Duo Gao
-
Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture, Ives Requena, M.D.
-
Healing and the Mind, Bill Moyers
-
The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists, Giovanni Maciocia
According to a study published this week in the September/October 2011 issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion (Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 56-60), people with consistently high health care costs experienced a 28 percent cumulative decrease in physician fees after an average of five years practicing the stress-reducing Transcendental Meditation technique compared with their baseline.
CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is combined with Western medicine
Oriental medicine in the United States has strong ties with western healing systems. It is not a substitute for western medicine. They are both complementary systems. Generally speaking, western medicine is best for acute illnesses and for diagnostic procedures. Chronic illnesses often respond better to Oriental medicine. Most acupuncture patients have already had western medical diagnosis and treatment of their conditions but they need further help.
The World Health Organization has officially recognized acupuncture as suitable for the treatment of more than three hundred common clinical disorders. It is also used for preventive care and health maintenance.
Acupuncture is a truly holistic system of health care.
