Oriental Medicine is a whole system of medicine that integrates many therapies, and is applied by practitioners to treat illness and diseases. Of these therapies, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the most popular in the United States. Some additional therapies include: diet, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, as well as Tai Qi and Qi Gong (physical exercise), and Tui'na (manual therapies).

How Does This System Work?
It has been scientifically determined that human beings are unique bio-energetic systems. For thousands of years Oriental Medicine has acknowledged that there is a vital life force that flows through all things which is called "Qi" (pronounced ‘chee’). In western culture, it is often referred to as "energy." Energy (Qi) flows along pathways in the human body, which are related to the organs, the muscular system, and nervous system. When the balance of this energy is disturbed due to trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or excessive emotional issues, then pain or illness results. Oriental Medicine focuses on correcting these imbalances, which stimulates the body's natural ability to heal itself. In other words, Oriental Medicine focuses on treating the factors that cause disease.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 2000 years. Acupuncture is proven to remedy acute or chronic ailments, relieve pain, enhance recuperative powers, and strengthen the immune system. Your practitioner may also use the following adjunct techniques within your session; Moxabustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Cupping (suction), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), electrical or laser stimulation, or even manual manipulation of the points.

What is a Treatment Like?
Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible, single-use sterilized disposable needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the body. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. People are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing. The length and frequency of a treatment may vary for each individual and will be determined by your Acupuncturist or Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Acupuncture treatments are scheduled according to the nature of your condition. As you improve, fewer visits are required. Discuss your treatment plan with your acupuncturist, since each individual is different.

"Oriental Medicine functions to promote the body's ability to heal itself”

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Ancient Chinese herbal formulas are as effective now as they were when first introduced more than 2,000 years ago. Most formulas consist of two to eighteen different herbs. Formulas treat a wide variety of symptoms while stimulating the body's natural healing process. Hospital studies prescribing individualized complex herbal formulas have demonstrated excellent results with patients who fail to respond to conventional pharmaceutical treatments.

How Do I Take Chinese Herbs?
Formulas may be taken as teas, pills, capsules, granules, or tinctures depending on the patient and the recommendation of the practitioner. Chinese herbal medicine is generally safe and effective when prescribed by a qualified practitioner of Oriental Medicine.

Certification, Licensing, Registration
State agencies usually regulate the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and most states have practice acts for the field of acupuncture. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) provides a national examination and certification process. Many states use the NCCAOM's examination to meet licensing/registration requirements, while a few other states, such as California, have developed their own examination process.

Safety
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are safe medical procedures and are well known for their efficacy and lack of side-effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Most practitioners use pre-sterilized, disposable needles when administering an acupuncture treatment.

Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies currently cover acupuncture treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage. The AAOM is working to inform insurers and the public in order to standardize payment practices and enhance accessibility to acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. For additional advice, ask your acupuncturist for suggestions regarding this issue.

Is it For You?
Oriental Medicine is used not only for pain management, but also as a comprehensive system of health care and health maintenance. 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.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSING, REGISTRATION
State agencies usually regulate the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and most states have practice acts for the field of acupuncture. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) provides a national examination and certification process. Many states use the NCCAOM's examination to meet licensing/registration requirements, while a few other states, such as California, have developed their own examination process.

Scopes of Practice vary among states. Title designation of practitioners also varies. Doctors of Oriental Medicine “D.O.M.” are licensed in states such as New Mexico and Arkansas. Acupuncture Physicians “AP” are licensed in Florida while the title designation in Washington State is “Certified Acupuncturist”, “CA”. Inewmed providers may practice in multiple states and procedures may also vary based on state regulations.