Our understanding of medicine and the process of
healing is expanding.
As East meets West, more and more people are learning that they must
seek to rebalance the cause of illness rather than hide the symptoms of imbalance ... and they are turning to alternative
medicine methodologies.
Oriental medicine is based on a history, philosophy and sociology very different from that of the
West. It has been evolving over 3000 years, and is based in a unique understanding of how energy flows
in the human body, and ways to support to maintain the healthy flow of energy for health and healing.
Energy (also referred to as Qi) flows along the meridian paths. The basic concept of health is that when
energy flows unimpeded, we have health. When energy gets blocked, we have pain and ultimately disease. There
are many things that can upset the balance of the body and disturb the flow of Qi. Qi, pronounced 'Chee," is
unknown in Western medicine, but in simple terms is the vital energy of the body. It keeps the blood circulating,
warms the body and fights disease. It is Qi that distinguishes living creatures from inanimate objects. Qi flows
through certain channels forming a network within the entire body and linking all parts and functions together
so that they work as one unit.
When a person is healthy, Qi moves smoothly through the channels, but if the flow is blocked or too weak or too strong,
then illness occurs. The aim of the practitioner of oriental medicine is to correct the flow of Qi in order to assist the body heal through its own innate healing ability.
Changes in Qi precede physical change, so Chinese medicine can be used as a preventive medicine, correcting
the energy before a serious illness can occur. If physical change has already occurred, it can be reversed by
adjusting the Qi.
Acupuncture promotes the natural flow of Qi which regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance.
Acupuncture is believed to keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and restore health
to the body and mind. |