Traditional Chinese/Oriental Medicine (TCM) is a medical system that has been used in Asia for thousands of years. Aspects of this medical system include:

Acupuncture • Diet Therapy (Nutrition) • Herb Therapy • Qi Gong • Tai Chi Tui Na • Other ancilliarymodalities, such as cupping and guasha

The concepts of Yin and Yang are fundamental to TCM. Yin energy is the moistening, nourishing, cooling energy of the body, while Yang energy is warming, activating and motivating. All actions, foods, external factors and bodily organs are composed of both Yin and Yang. Disease, illness and pain are signs of imbalance resulting from disharmony of Yin and Yang.

TCM includes the theory of the flow of energy through pathways that crisscross the body. Acupuncture encourages the energy to flow to areas that are deficient and away from areas where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the body'sharmonious balance of Yin and Yang energy, leading to improved health.

Acupuncture Treatment is the insertion of thin, sterilized, disposable needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of certain health problems.

Health concerns which respond to acupuncture include:

• Headache/migraine, dizziness, sinus and ear congestion
• Respiratory disorders including; asthma and smoking cessation
• Digestive tract problems; including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux, constipation/diarrheaand stomach pain
• Reproductive tract problems; including PMS, perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms
• Nervous system and muscular disorders; such as arthritis,frozen/stiff joints, back pain, and insomnia

The needles are inserted just under the skin. Insertion is usually painless or may feel like a mild mosquito sting. During treatment the client may feel some tingling or heaviness as the needles work to help correct imbalances in the body.

Diagnosis involves:

• Comprehensive case history, including diet, lifestyle, physical, mental and emotional issues
• Examination of the tongue
• Feeling of several pulses on the wrists

The diagnosis then allows the practitioner to select an appropriate combination of acupuncture points for the treatment session.

Duration, severity and nature of the complaint determine how many treatment sessions may be needed. In acute injury situations, often one or two sessions are sufficient. Chronic problems may require multiple treatment sessions.

Acupuncture Related Information:

• The Web That Has No Weaver, by Ted Kazchuk (available for purchase at The Ommani Center)
• Ancient Health for Modern Woman, by Xiolan Zhao