Understanding Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AOM)

Overview:
Oriental medicine is a whole system of medicine that integrates many therapies and is applied by practitioners to maintain optimal health. Of these therapies acupuncture and Chinese herbology are the most popular in the United States. Most often the consumer will acupuncture and Oriental medicine defined under the acronym AOM. 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. In an Oriental medicine assessment, your practitioner will diagnose, or differentiate, your condition with a thorough examination, which will include an interpretation based on medical history, pulse, and tongue diagnosis.

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 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.

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 that are well known to be effective and lack side effects when administered by a qualified practitioner. Licensed practitioners use sterilized needles when administering an acupuncture treatment.

Insurance Coverage
Many insurance companies currently cover acupuncture treatments. Check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage. AOM’s national professional association, the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (AAAOM), is working with insurers and the public to standardize payment practices and enhance accessibility to acupuncture and Oriental medicine. For additional advice, ask your acupuncturist for suggestions regarding payment options.