OVERVIEW OF TOM and ACUPUNCTURE

TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL MEDICINE (TOM)

Traditional Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive health care system with a continuous clinical history of more than 3,000 years.  TOM also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is composed of support systems that help the body’s vital energy (Qi) flow properly.  TOM/TCM is based on the understanding that the body is composed of two basic kinds of energy:  electrical and chemical.

These two forms of energy can be assisted through acupuncture (electrical energy field) and medicinal herbal teas (chemical energy field).  Acupuncture and medicinal herbs work together with the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to restore and maintain good health.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting fine, hair-thin needles into the body at specific points along the body, including the ears and hands. Biochemical and neurological research has shown

that the technique works by signaling the pain-control centers for the brain to release endorphins or endorphin-like substances to the area of the body in need of pain relief.

Similarly, acupuncture has also been shown to have the effect of stimulating and strengthening the body’s immune system and organ function by just such a feedback mechanism. Acupuncture affects

the levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and hormones in the blood. It balances gastrointestinal, endocrine and nervous system function in the body. Acupuncture can also improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

According to classical doctrines of Oriental Medicine, there is an unceasing form of life energy or “Qi” flowing throughout the body. This vital energy originates from the major organs and flows along continuous circulatory channels called meridians. When the energy flow is smooth and in balance, one is healthy. If the balance is disturbed, then illness or pain results. Acupuncture serves to rebalance the healthy flow of energies, thereby restoring vitality and well-being.

Only sterile, single-use disposable, stainless steel needles are used in our practice.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Herbal medicine is an integral part of TOM. An herbal prescription helps to continue the energy correction begun by the acupuncture treatment. TOM herbal formulas contain selections of herbs that not only possess different qualities and properties, but also target different aspects of the patient’s disharmony. Each herbal formulation is customized to treat the patient’s disharmony and constitution at that time.

The majority of Oriental herbal medicine is from organic substances such as plants, minerals and animal products. Herbal remedies rarely elicit side effects and have been proven safe and effective over thousands of years when used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. There are various methods of administering the herbs; the most powerful effect comes from boiling raw herbs into a tea; however, pills, capsules and powders are also available for convenience.

TREATMENT

Oriental medicine recognizes that each individual is unique; every patient receives a customized treatment program. Consequently, two patients with the same disease are often treated with totally different therapeutic methods. After a careful initial evaluation, a treatment plan tailored to the specific needs of the patient will be given. Acute symptoms often respond to treatment within a few visits, whereas chronic cases often require more.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Acupuncture treatments generally last from 20 to 40 minutes. Most patients report a sense of relaxation and well being; some people even fall asleep during treatment. With insertion of needles, a person may feel a momentary dull, achy or pulsing sensation in the location of the needle or a radiating tingle along the needled channel. TOM associates these sensations with the body’s energies being realigned.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

Relax. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Eat a small, healthy snack prior to the treatment. Share even the most “insignificant” symptoms with the doctor, as these can provide valuable insight into the evaluation of your health profile. Look forward to being well.

SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT TOM CAN HELP [i]

• Musculo-skeletal Complaints: Arthritis, joint problems, neck and back pain, knee, shoulder and elbow tendonitis, and bursitis.

• Gastrointestinal: Irritable bowel, ulcers, diarrhea, constipation and gastritis.

• Mental Health: Anxiety and depression, seasonal affective disorder and phobias.

• Cardiovascular Conditions: High blood pressure, palpitations and heart disease.

• Gynecology & Fertility: Menopause, PMS, painful menstruation, infertility (male and female)

• Respiratory Disease: Asthma, bronchitis, influenza, cough and common cold.

• Addiction & Weight Loss

• Genito-urinary: Bladder and kidney disease, genital herpes, sexual dysfunction and prostate conditions.

• Pediatrics: Childhood diseases.

• Neurological Disorders: Tinnitus and deafness, dizziness, headaches, paralysis, stroke rehabilitation, trigeminal neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy and multiple sclerosis.

• Dermatology

• Vision

• Insomnia

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[i] World Health Organization, 1979