The body has blood that flows through the circulatory system and nerve messages that flow through the nervous system. Life energy flows through a system of channels called meridians that were mapped out 3,500 years ago. Today the meridians can be measured scientifically by reading their electrical resistance. When this energy is blocked, health problems arise. Acupuncturists are trained to find and correct energy blocks in the body that enables the tissues and organs to heal.

If you have ever tried watering a garden with a hose that has a kink in it you know that the water doesn’t flow, and unless you correct the blockage, the water will not flow to nourish your garden. Acupuncturists are trained to remove kinks in the flow of energy and cultivate health.

In its most essential form, TCM consists of the use of acupuncture, which is the insertion of extremely fine needles into various points on the body. This is designed to balance the energies of the body, to unblock the flow of the Qi (pronounced chee), and to relieve pain and dysfunction.

The concept of Qi is central: this loosely translates as animating energy or motive force, that "stuff" that enlivens us, that is necessary for our various functions, such as respiration, digestion, circulation, reproduction, thought, action and so on.

How does Chinese medicine Work?

Chinese medicine works by re-establishing balance and harmony within the body. This means balance between yin and yang, balance between the five phases, balance between the viscera and bowels, and balance between the qi, blood and the body fluids. This balance is re-established by supporting the body's health or righteous energy and attacking any unhealthy or “evil” energy.

How does the Chinese medical practitioner determine what is out of balance?

Practitioners of Chinese medicine diagnose what is out of balance in a person's body by employing four basic examinations. The first is by asking questions about one's signs and symptoms, medical history, and course of the disease. The second is visually inspecting one's body and face—especially one's tongue and its coating. The third is by listening to one's tone of voice and the sound of one's breathing as well as smelling any odors emanating from one's body or excretions. The fourth way is palpating various areas of the body—especially the pulse at both wrists. Using a combination of one's signs and symptoms, tongue diagnosis, and pulse diagnosis, the practitioner can determine the pattern of disharmony, which requires rebalancing.

What methods are used to re-establish balance within one's body?

The main professionally applied methods of re-establishing balance are Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture/moxibustion. Chinese herbal medicines may be prescribed internally or applied externally. Acupuncture and moxibustion seek to regulate the flow of Qi and blood within the body either by inserting fine, sterile needles at certain acupoints or warming certain acupoints by various methods. In addition, Chinese medical practitioners may also use tui na or an mo, styles of Chinese massage, they may prescribe remedial or preventative exercises, such at tai ji, qi gong, or dao yin, and they typically counsel their patients on diet lifestyle, all according to the theories of Chinese medicine.

Is Chinese medicine safe?

Oriental medicine is a proven, safe, and effective form of treatment for a wide variety of conditions and can work well in conjunction with any other medical treatment with no side effects. The primary modality used in Oriental Medicine is Acupuncture, the insertion of thin, sterile, single-use disposable needles in the body. After the needles are in place you will be given time to rest, usually 20-45 minutes. During this time many experience a floating or heavy sensation, but typically feel comfortable, relaxed and sometimes fall asleep. Herbal prescriptions are another modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine that may be included in treatment. Together Acupuncture and herbs attempt to restore ill patients to a state in which their biological energies are balanced. TCM strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanisms to protect against disease, enhance energy, and maintain a prolonged state of vibrant health.

If a patient reports side effects from a Chinese medical treatment, the practitioner modifies the treatment until there is healing without side effects. This is because Chinese medicine seeks to restore balance to the entire person, not just the piece or part. Side effects mean there is an imbalance that needs to be corrected.

More and more insurance companies are offering coverage for acupuncture treatments. If you need help verifying your benefits, we will be happy to assist you.

The scope of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine as recognized by the state of Oregon includes acupuncture, moxibustion, tui-na (traditional medical massage), cupping, electro-acupuncture, herbal therapy, nutritional consultation, and infrared heat therapy. It may be useful to combine Western medicicne....