Oriental medicine is based on a functional and energetic model rather than the structural and biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, the ancient physicians discovered a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways. These pathways can actually be felt when there is some disease process in the associated organ. Using Therapeutic Touch I myself have felt the Lung and Large Intestine channels when the patient had a cold or flu. I’m sure there were practitioners back then that could do the same thing. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ.
Disease is considered to arise because of deficiency or imbalance of vital energy in the energetic pathways and their associated physiological systems.
The pathways or meridians of energy communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it.
Traditional Oriental medicine has also developed methods of determining the flow in the meridian system, using an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis. Findings from these modalities are combined with other signs and symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.
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Scientific Acupuncture – Acupuncture for the 21st Century