Traditional Oriental Medicine (OM) includes Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork, dietary therapy and exercises like Tai Chi or Qi Gong. This type of healing medicine is 5,000 years old and is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine.

The Oriental medical model looks at the body energetically and assesses imbalances of the energy that ultimately create physical symptoms. Since (OM) views the body as a whole, the imbalances may show up as seemingly unrelated problems, but to a trained practitioner, they paint a picture of the entire body's health.

Besides a detailed interview, (OM) uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points, and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental Medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to encourage the body towards health and homeostasis. The greatest strength of (OM) is the unique ability to restore and maintain the body's health by promoting self-healing.

What can a client expect?

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (i.e. stress, headaches, back pain, depression, pain conditions, respiratory disorders). However, some conditions that have arisen over a number of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient's diet, determination, attitude and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. You should notice a response to treatments by at least the second or third visit.

In some cases, the practitioner may recommend herbs, dietary, exercise, or lifestyle changes. Our clients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively, or in conjunction with, Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend that you contact a Western medical doctor.

Is Acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue with pressure.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, you may feel a sense of tingling, a feeling of heaviness or numbness in the area. Most people find the treatments to be very relaxing and many even fall asleep during treatment. Afraid of needles?

All acupuncture needles are manufactured under the strictest guidelines, and are completely sterile. They are used only once and are disposed of immediately.