What is Oriental Medicine?

Oriental medicine is a system of healthcare that seeks to treat the
whole person, as all holistic health methods do. Balancing the mind,
body and spirit, Oriental medicine therapies like acupuncture, herbal
medicine, acupressure, Tuina, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) applications have been in existence before the dawn of modern
civilization. A matter of fact, Oriental medicine predates the birth
of Christ by nearly 5,000 years.

In addition to nutritional counseling, modern Oriental medicine
practitioners commonly use a combined variety of natural healing
therapies including acupuncture, Tai Chi, moxibustion, cupping, and
Chinese herbal medicine, among others, when treating patients.

Acupuncture in Oriental medicine is based on the foundation that the
body contains meridians; also known as energy channels. These
meridians have "acupoints" that control the flow of "chi," or life
energy. The theory behind this Oriental medicine technique is that by
inserting fine, hair-like needles into these acupoints, underlying
pathologies (of health conditions) can be relieved. How? The
philosophy is that needle insertion (at respective acupoints) removes
blockages, and allow the Chi to flow freely and unobstructed
throughout the meridians. This, in part, balances the life force and
is believed to restore health and balance to the body.

A unique form of acupuncture that some Oriental medicine doctors
administer is auriculotherapy. This particular needling technique
involves the insertion of acupuncture needles along the meridians of
the outer ear. Acupuncturists, who provide this treatment are often
specially trained and certified for this procedure.

Oriental medicine practitioners may also treat patients with
moxibustion or cupping therapies. In moxibustion, the herb "mugwort,"
or moxa is used. This herbal medicine is ground and burned, and
applied at acu-points; or at the tips of acupuncture needles. This
Oriental medicine is intended to warm these regions and to stimulate
better circulation of Chi.

Cupping in Oriental medicine is a therapy whereby a cup (or cups) is
applied to the skin as a vacuum. For instance, heat or flames are
often briefly applied to the inside of the cup(s) and quickly placed
upon the skin. This creates a vacuum-like suction upon the skin.
Oriental medicine practitioners may slide the cup from one acu-point
to another to promote healing and pain relief. This technique is known
simply as "gliding."

Oriental medicine doctors may also prescribe Tai Chi and Qigong as a
natural health exercise to patients. As a slow-motion, martial art,
Tai Chi is known for its stress-reducing affects. In addition, it is a
great way to improve balance and to gain increased flexibility and
range of motion in joints and muscles. Qigong is commonly integrated
with Tai Chi as a breathing exercise to improve and maintain health.

As with any health practitioner, it is important to check the
credentials of the prospective Oriental medicine doctor.
Acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners should be licensed
to practice in the State where they reside. To attain licensure, many
States require these practitioners to be certified with the National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
(NCCAOM).

Interested in learning more about this or other TCM therapies? Let
professional training within fast-growing industries like massage
therapy, holistic health, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and
others get you started! Explore Oriental medicine courses near you.

What is Oriental Medicine?

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The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved

NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant
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_By: *CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd*_

*About the Author:*

*Resource Box:* CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web
Consultant for *HolisticJunction.com* [1], _in association with
CollegeSurfing.com_ - Educational Resources for *Oriental Medicine*
[2], *Acupuncture* [3], and other healing arts programs.

Links:
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[1] http://www.holisticjunction.com
[2] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/oriental-medicine.html
[3] http://www.holisticjunction.com/categories/HAD/acupuncture-and-oriental-medicine.html