ORIENTAL MEDICINE 

Marci Kranz

MA, LAc, Dipl Ac

Licensed Acupuncturist

NCCAOM Board Certified

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Oriental Medicine is a holistic system of medicine that originated about 5,000 years ago within the Orient/Asian Countries. It is the basic philosophical foundation of medicine in such countries as China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea.

Traditional Oriental Medicine has spread from these countries throughout the world.

The underlying principle is that energy (Qi- pronounced ‘Chee’) is the vital essence of the body.  Health is when the flow of Qi is harmonious and balanced.

Acupuncture is based on the Oriental Medicine concept of vital energy (Qi) flowing through the body along pathways (meridians). The flow of Qi can become blocked, deficient or excessive which results in the development of numerous medical conditions. Acupuncture promotes the free flow of energy throughout the body which helps balance the Qi allowing the body’ natural energy rhythm to return to it’s balanced state. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture to be effective for more that 200 clinical conditions. It is also an important tool to use for preventative care and health maintenance.

During an acupuncture treatment this, sterile needles will be placed at specific acupuncture points and left in place for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Practitioners of Oriental Medicine may also use other modalities such as Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic medical massage), cupping, dietary therapy, exercise, or lifestyle suggestions to assist the client with their healing process. An in-depth consultation with the client is done prior to the treatment to develop the diagnosis and treatment strategies based on oriental medicine theory.

The needles used for acupuncture are about the diameter of a human hair. They produce some sensation, but generally not pain. Often people do not feel the needles being inserted. Following the insertion, sensations described can range from nothing to a dull ache, a feeling of heaviness, electrical, or tingling. These sensations coincide with the contact and movement of Qi.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can be of benefit to any person experiencing illness, pain (both physical & emotional), or desiring a healthier lifestyle thus emphasizing preventative health care. Routine health problems & chronic conditions, for which drug therapy & surgery alternatives have not been sought or not found to be effective are often helped with acupuncture & oriental medicine. Many people receiving acupuncture have already had western medical diagnoses and treatment of their conditions but need further help to alleviate the symptoms and augment the healing process.

Commonly Treated Conditions