Some Explanation About…East Asian Medicine

Great Medicine eradicates karma.
High Medicine cures future diseases.
Intermediate Medicine cures present diseases.
Low Medicine applies static methods.
Inferior Medicine takes people's’ lives.
-daoist wisdom

Training: East Asian Medicine practitioners (acupuncturists and herbalists) typically earn a bachelor's degree in a related field and then enroll in an acupuncture or oriental medicine master's program. Continuing education is required in most states, advanced degrees and certifications may be obtained for specialization but are not necessary.
General: In 1979, the World Health Organization published a short list of conditions seen as appropriate for treatment with acupuncture. This is not a complete list of conditions appropriate for treatment, but just some examples.
The list includes:

• Abdominal pain
  Addiction control
  Anxiety
  Arthritis
  Asthma
  Athletic performance
  Back/neck pain
  Blood pressure
  regulation
  Bronchitis
  Chronic fatigue
  Common cold
  Constipation
  Depression
  Diarrhea
  Gingivitis
  Headaches
  Hyperacidity
  IBS
  Immune system tonification
  Indigestion
  Infertility
  Insomnia
  Menopausal symptoms
  Migraines
  Muscle cramping/pain
  Nervousness
  Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
  Neurosis
  Numbness
  Parkinson's disease
  Poor vision
  Postoperative pain
  Premenstrual syndrome
  Sciatica
  Sinusitis
  Stress reduction
  Stroke
  Tinnitis
  Tonsillitis
  Toothache
  
  Tools of the trade:
  Meditation - mental cultivation of stillness leading to wisdom and happiness. Considered Great, High and Intermediate Medicine.
  Qi Gong - Qi (pronounced chee)  is probably best described in western terms by ‘electromagnetic force’  that animates us and causes action and reaction in the body and in nature throughout the universe, showing how interconnected and interdependent everything is. Gong means work or practice or cultivation, it is what we do with Qi during Qi Gong. With our intention and gentle observation of sensations we influence and allow Qi to move within and around us. This improves performance of autonomic and conscious functions, alleviating pain and boosting the immune system, strengthening and clearing body, mind and spirit. Benefits balance, resiliency, clarity and wellness. Considered High and Intermediate Medicine.
  Moxibustion - the application of heat usually indirectly to the body for relief of pain, to stop bleeding, to strengthen body functions such as the immune system, or to turn a breech baby. Involves the heat produced by burning Moxa (artemesia argyi, mugwort) which emits infrared heat that penetrates deep into tissues to improve blood flow and move Qi. Considered High and Intermediate Medicine.
  Acupuncture - insertion of sterile stainless steel filaments thru the skin to influence Qi as it moves or gathers and performs functions in the body-mind. Myriad different styles from around the world. Ancient and documented effectiveness for many disorders, works well in conjunction with other forms of medicine. Can be High and Intermediate Medicine if utilized by skilled practitioner.
  Acupressure - stimulation of Qi at acupoints on the body to alleviate pain, correct imbalance in systems functioning and achieve all the effects available thru acupuncture but is much more time consuming and intimate.
  Microsystems - small regions of the body that reflect the whole body, for instance the ear and the hand. Used to great advantage by many practitioners.
  Ear seeds - actual seeds or pellets that are small and uniform and applied with adhesive patch to acupoints on the ear.
  Tui Na - a massage form developed in China that specifically uses the acupoints and the channels the Qi flows in (skin, sinew, collateral, primary, divergent, and extraordinary channels) to improve function and alleviate pain.
  Cupping - suction applied either by pump or creating a vacuum inside a cup with flame then placing that cup on the skin. Works by moving Qi and Blood to relieve stagnation and stasis, alleviating pain, and expel pathogens to boost immune system.
  Gua Sha - scraping and stroking with a smooth edged tool to loosen fascia and raise “sha” the bumps and color brought to the surface of the skin treated, moving Qi and Blood to benefit the immune system and alleviate pain.
  Herbal formulas - combinations of selected and processed plants and minerals that are carefully balanced to provide the intended benefit without causing unwanted actions. We use reputable pharmacies with independent oversight verifying the quality and safety. Available in a hypoallergenic powder form that is mixed in warm water to drink.
  Teas - either single or combined “raw” herbs that provide intended benefit when steeped in hot water and either drunk or applied topically.
  E-stim (electro acupuncture) - electrical current applied to acupuncture needles to mimic the effect of manipulating them by hand providing intense treatment for various purposes such as anesthesia, stroke recovery, treatment of depression and many others.​TDP lamps - far infrared spectrum heat created by passing electricity thru a special ceramic plate, this particular type of heat penetrates deep tissue and improves blood flow and cell function to relieve pain and help heal wounds, repair circulation, reduce neuropathy, quell inflammation.