What is Oriental Medicine

Often called Chinese Medicine, Oriental Medicine is an integrated approach to health care based on more than 2,000 years of practical application. The basis of Oriental medicine lies in Oriental philosophy and the concepts of yin and yang. From this understanding, specific treatment modalities have evolved which focus on bringing the forces of yin and yang (of the body), back into harmony. Incorporated in this approach to healing is the use of specific diagnostic techniques which can identify which organs / energy channels of the body are out of balance and how best to bring re-establish harmony both in the body and also in the mental /emotional state of the person who is seeking assistance.

Treatment modalities available in the clinic

The clinic integrates a wide range of treatment modalities which can effectively treat most commonly seen disharmonies which patients present with.                                  

Acupuncture

Acupuncture utilises very fine sterilised needles which are inserted into points along the course of an energy channel in order to unblock and re-harmonise the flow of energy in that channel. The principles of treatment are to balance excesses and deficiencies both along   the course of a specific channel and also between respective energy channels. This then enables the correct frequency and volume of energy to flow through the energy channels and their respective internal organs. When this balance is obtained internal harmony has been cultivated and ensuing good health and vitality are the results. At times of stress and seasonal variations the need for harmonising the flow of energy becomes greater so acupuncture is an effective way in bringing your body back into balance again.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of massage which focuses on applying pressure along the course of the energy channels of the body in order to bring the flow of energy back into balance. In Shiatsu therapy, tension in the walls of the energy channels can be removed with correct pressure, which assists in revitalising the peristaltic rhythm, inherent in each of the energy channels of the body. When tension in the channels builds up this free-flowing of energy becomes impaired causing stagnation in the flow of energy, which is a precursor to dis-ease. So Shiatsu can be a very effective method of treating any kind of bodily ailment where stagnation is the root cause of a persons problem. Shiatsu sessions integrated with acupuncture are another alternative that is available in the clinic for a more entrenched condition.Most people feel revitalised after a Shiatsu session but if your energy levels are low you will possibly feel tired as your body's energy has been directed to the internal organs for optimum healing to occur. With further sessions you will start to feel your energy come alive, an indication your energy system has been positively charged.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is an integral part of Oriental medicine as it provides a powerful and very specific intervention in any dis-ease process. Founded in the principles of yin and yang, herbs are placed into different categories based on their intrinsic nature. Examples of these divisions are herbs which have the functions of: cooling, warming, drying, moistening, rising, descending, gathering, dispersing, tonifying, harmonising etc. So in using herbal medicine an accurate diagnosis must be ascertained as any improper use of the herbs will not only be ineffective but can also worsen a patient's condition. However, with the specific diagnostic techniques of pulse and tongue diagnosis and detailed questioning of the patient, an accurate understanding of the root cause of the patient's condition can be made. Only an experienced practitioner can safely prescribe herbs so it is important that you only obtain ""chinese herbs"" from a practitioner of Oriental medicine as they are the only ones who are trained in the intricacies of diagnosis and herb prescription.

Herbs dispensed in the clinic are combined into highly effective formulae and are dispensed in pill form which are easy to take. Herbs are rarely used individually but are rather combined to produce a formulae which will address the root of the patient's condition. These formulae have been developed over hundreds of years with a very sound record of clinical effectiveness. Rather than a symptomatic approach to treatment an experienced herbalist will be able to look at your presenting symptoms and understand the common thread which makes an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment strategy possible. 

Diet Therapy

The understanding of foods as having specific energic qualities is part of the principles of Oriental medicine. There is a saying that "food is medicine and medicine is food". This highlights the importance of foods in our health, not only from a nutritional perspective but also what kind of foods are most suitable for our general well-being. As foods have specific energy qualities it is essential to eat foods as seasonally as possible. For example foods which are meant for consumption in summer months, because they are cooling, are not suitable for consumption in winter as our bodies at this time need warming foods. Eating foods our of season or excesses of any particular food type will bring about a dishamony in the body leading to illhealth. You will be guided into what foods are most suitable for you as part of your journey back to optimum health.

Qi Gong Healing

Qi Gong is the cultivation of energy and can be done as an exercise or can part of a healing session. With Qi Gong healing a patient will be the recipient of Qi (energy) from the practitioner and will feel a sense of lightness, warmth and relaxation as they receive this highly activated energy into their bodies. This form of therapy is most suited to patients in a very weaked state who would not normally be able to have other forms of therapy due to their debility. With an increase in their overall energy levels from the Qi treatments their intrinsic natural healing powers can once again be activated which will provide the catalyst for their recovery into health.

Exercise Therapy

Patients who come to the clinic for treatment are often in need of having some specific exercise that they can do as part of their daily routine to bring their bodies back to health and to maintain good posture and energy flow. You will be given some simple yet highly effective exercises to take home as part of your treatment plan. These exercises may include Qi Gong, joint mobilisation exercises or some simple breathing and meditation techniques to calm your mind. These calming exercises are especially effective for regulating the balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nerve systems of the body.