Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine San Rafael, CA

Oriental Medicine

Over 5000 years ago, Taoist mystics recognized the body as a network of interrelated, dynamically cooperative organs and systems, including the meridian system of energy pathways and pressure points that conduct Qi, or vital energy, through the body. They also acquired deep knowledge of medicinal herbs, and of the two complementary yet oppositional qualities of Yin and Yang that manifest in all the qualities and cycles of growth, decay and change in the universe. They combined all this knowledge into a complete medical and philosophical system used to achieve and maintain vibrant health, and to diagnose and treat disease in all its forms. We call this system Oriental Medicine.

Oriental Medicine facilitates healing and rejuvenation by restoring balance and harmony to the body, mind and emotions. In diagnosing and treating ailments it addresses a wide range of contributing or causative factors, including diet, lifestyle habits, life-circumstances, environment and genetics.

Its diagnostic methods include “reading” the tongue and pulse; shallow and deep palpation of various organs and acupuncture points; examining the eyes and the skin color and tone; observing the patient’s physical posture and movements; listening to the quality and tone of the voice; assessing body and breath odors; and interviewing the patient about their medical history and other relevant factors that may be contributing to or even causing their ailment.

Its treatment methods include acupuncture, manual stimulation of meridian points, herbal, dietary and nutritional therapy, infrared heat, massage, exercise, meditation, breathing and qi gong.

Using all these methods, a master Oriental Medicine practitioner can detect gross and subtle physical and emotional disharmonies, imbalances, excesses and deficiencies that compromise health; balance the body’s energies; relieve pain; and make shifts in the nervous system to restore health and vitality.

This ancient system of medicine has stood the test of time by continually adapting over centuries to address varying causes and kinds of illness. Its protocols have proven effective in treating a wide range of modern physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual ailments.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a key component of Oriental Medicine. It harmonizes and balances body and mind by gently activating the meridians or internal pathways that conduct the Qi or life force throughout the body. The first written description of the system of acupuncture appeared 2800 years ago in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.

Current research has verified the positive effects of acupuncture on the nervous system, which connects, interacts with, and affects all the systems of the body. Research also shows that stimulating specific points with needles activates the body’s healing mechanisms, calms the nervous system, relieves pain, reduces stress, improves mood, and invigorates the immune system. It is the only form of indigenous healing practiced today, alongside Western medicine, in hospitals world-wide.