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Three thousand years ago the hieroglyphs of acupuncture
and moxibustion appeared in inscriptions on bones and tortoise
shells. During this period the philosophical thinking of
yin and yang and five elements was formed, together with
the ideology of the relationship between the human body
and the natural environment. Thus began the basic theory
of Oriental Medicine.
Since this time the systematic observation of the clinical
application of these theories has permitted a remarkable
level of growth and evolution to occur in the understanding
of organ systems and energy channels; energy, blood and
body fluids; essence and spirit; internal and external causes
of illness; the systematic progress of disease; principles
of diagnosis using observation, inquiry and palpation; differentiation
of illnesses into syndromes of various natures; pharmacology;
and numerous styles of application of acupuncture and moxibustion
all for the prevention and treatment of disease.
Oriental medicine, however, involves more than just Acupuncture
and Chinese herbs. It consists of eight distinct limbs,
which can be likened to a map leading to the achievement
and maintenance of good health and a wonderful quality of
life.
The eight limbs of Oriental Medicine are:
- Acupuncture - restoring and regulating the natural
flow of energy (qi) through the body
- Moxibustion - the application of heat to expel
cold, improve circulation and strengthen the warming aspect
of the body
- Herbs and Diet - using food as medicine and herbs
as a supplement for the nourishment of the body or the
expulsion of pathogens
- Massage - both therapeutic and relaxing to relieve
pain and re energise
- Exercise - generating strength and flexibility
for balance and harmony within the body
- Meditation - stilling the mind and increasing
self knowledge and self awareness
- Feng Shui - arranging your environment to ensure
harmony, prosperity and happiness in all aspects of your
life
- Astrology - gaining insight into your vulnerabilities
and potentials, better understanding your personality
traits and revealing the bigger picture of life
Oriental Medicine is both a science and an art. The theories
that underlie it comprise the science and the application
to the dynamic form that is the constantly changing individual
is the art. Oriental Medicine works at various levels. One
can treat purely at a symptomatic level, however, this does
not address the root cause of the problem and so symptoms
often return. One can treat at the level of syndromes, which
more closely addresses the root of the problem and so has
longer lasting effects. Treatment at the level of the individual,
however, is the most effective as it addresses constitutional
as well as conditional manifestations, lifestyle factors,
and personality types.
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