Traditional Oriental Medicine is the oldest continually practiced, literate professional medicine in the world. It is a system of healing that has stood the test of time, spanning thousands of years. Traditional Oriental Medicine is a broad term used to describe medical systems that have developed over the centuries such as acupuncture, Chinese herbology, cupping, moxibustion, tui na, qi gong and dietary recommendations.

The system of Oriental Medicine is based on detecting imbalances in the energy system of the body’s “Qi” and correcting them to maintain and restore wellness. A distinctive feature of the medicine is its ability to map out the interrelationship of the physical, emotional and psychological component’s of a person’s health. This enables the practitioner to understand and treat imbalances that occur on more than one level at a time. Critical to the Oriental Medicine approach is its emphasis on the prevention of disease.

In many Asian countries, Oriental Medicine has its own medical schools, hospitals and clinics. Half a million Oriental Medicine doctors in China and thousands of acupuncturists and herbalists outside of China treat billions of people internationally. In the United States, accredited schools for Traditional Oriental Medicine are four-year Master’s Degree programs, focusing on both Eastern and Western medicine. In the state of Illinois, all graduates must pass a vigorous national board exam and be certified in Clean Needle Technique before a license is obtained.

Acupuncture is the art of balancing “Qi” that flows through the body along “meridians” or pathways. If the flow of Qi is blocked or imbalanced in any way, illness may occur. A practitioner of Oriental Medicine performs a thorough intake, which includes a patient history, pulse & tongue diagnosis and overall observation of the patient.

Based on intake of information, specific points along the body are chosen for treatment. The insertion of very fine needles into these points influence the energetic functioning of the body. The needles used are pre-sterilized, single-use and disposable. In the state of Illinois, a separate course on Clean Needle Technique is required before an acupuncturist may obtain a license.

When needles are inserted, there may be a sensation of warmth, heaviness or tingling. People are often surprised to find that acupuncture treatments may actually be quite relaxing. The frequency of treatments needed depends on a person’s overall health, the nature of an illness and the body’s response to acupuncture. 

Adjunct therapies such as cupping (suction), moxabustion (heat), gua sha (scrapping), or electrical stimulation may be used as well.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbology, is one of the main branches of Oriental Medicine and may greatly enhance the effects of acupuncture. Chinese herbal formulas are powerful yet gentle treatments that offer patients natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, and are proven to be generally safe and effective. Herbal formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body’s natural healing process. As with acupuncture, Chinese herbs treat the underlying condition, rather than just the symptoms. Practitioners prescribing Chinese herbs should be national board certified by the NCCAOM. 

Commonly Treated Conditions

Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care. Athletes use Oriental Medicine to achieve optimal performance levels. Cancer patients are treated for the side effects of chemotherapy to enhance their quality of life. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical and/or substance dependency problems. A committee of the United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a list of over 43 diseases that lend themselves to treatment by acupuncture. Chinese herbal remedies may broaden the range of treatable disorders. Below is a partial list of commonly treated conditions: