Lam's Acupuncture Clinic in Boulder, Colorado
	What is Oriental Medicine? Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses for over 5000 years. It includes not only Acupuncture but also Chinese herbology, bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise, and is based on traditional Oriental medical principles. Oriental Medicine predates western medicine by thousands of years, and as a system stands on its own as a primary care modality. It is grounded in ancient Daoist philosophies concerning universal patterns of movement and balance, and unlike the predominant "localized" approach, it views health holistically as interrelated spheres of influence: mind, body and spirit; individuals and their environments; and a constantly interactive web of experience, awareness, and intention. Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Bodywork strengthen one's physical and emotional body - to help prevent disease, control pain, soothe and alleviate chronic conditions, and enhance the quality and longevity of life. Practitioners do not treat a diagnosed disease alone - the focus is instead to discern patterns and conditions which harbor and perpetuate imbalances that manifest as disease and illness. The many modalities employed in Oriental Medicine influence energetic pathways - "meridians" - bringing the whole being into equilibrium with both internal and external influences. Current trends in health care show that by integrating these eastern practices with western (allopathic) medicine, patients are better able to enhance and deepen the effectiveness of their efforts to live healthier, more balanced and energetic lives. Oriental Medicine Treats Chronic Illnesses Insomnia Diabetes/Hypoglycemia Preventative Health Fatigue Fibromyalgia & CFS Children's Health Allergies Thyroid Conditions Liver Problems Immune system deficiency Chemotherapy/radiation side effects Shingles Eye, ear, nose and throat disorders Attention Deficit Disorder/ADD Dizziness Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders Addictions Smoking Drug Addiction Alcoholism Anxiety & Depression Fatigue Stress/Tension Anxiety/Depression Circulatory Disorders Hypertension Heart Problems Stroke Palpitations Angina pectoris Arteriosclerosis Gastrointestinal Disorders Constipation/Diarrhea Colitis Ulcers Hemorrhoids Food allergies Gall Bladder Disorders Indigestion/gastritis Anorexia Gynecological Disorders Infertility/men & women Fibroids Menopause Premenstrual symptoms/PMS Pre-Delivery care Post-partum care Mastitis Endometriosis Morning sickness Gynecological disorders, irregular/painful mense Sexual dysfunction Pain Syndromes Shoulder pain Toothaches Headache/Migranes Tendonitis/Neuralgia Rheumatism Sports Injuries Neck pain/stiffness Knee pain Back & Hip pain/Sciatica Paralysis/Numbness Arthritis/Joint problems Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Respiratory Disorders Sore throat Colds/Flu Asthma Allergies/Hay Fever Sinusitis Cough/Bronchitis Skin Disorders Acne Herpes Rashes/Urticaria Urogenital Disorders Bladder/Kidney problems/stones Urinary problems/UTI Stress incontinence Infertility Prostate problems Chronic bladder infection Sexual dysfunction Dental Disorders Periodontitis/Gum Disease What To Expect The initial visit involves an extensive intake to assess medical history, diet, lifestyle, stress, emotions, environmental influences and symptomatology. Oriental medicine diagnoses and treats syndromes rather than diseases. Diagnostic procedures usually include specific questions about physical functions and mental processes, examination of tongue and pulses, and some palpation to detect areas of deficiency or stagnation. Unique to this medicine is an examination of the patient's tongue and the taking of a patient's pulses. These methods allow the practitioner to better understand the internal environment of the patient. Both are more intricate than with Western models. For example, pulse-taking involves six pulse positions allowing the practitioner to understand all 12 meridians. The tongue can show internal heat or cold, deficiency, excess conditions, etc. Depending on patient preferences and indicated treatment protocols, massage, acupressure, acupuncture, heat therapy, essential oils, cupping, or various other techniques may be applied to achieve longer-lasting results in a shorter amount of time. Individually-tailored granular herbal formulas may be suggested, and dietary/exercise recommendations recommended for daily maintenance between visits. Subsequent visits last 45 minutes to an hour, and the frequency of treatments will vary with each individual and their needs. Acute syndromes might need two to three treatments per week while the general protocol for treatment of chronic syndromes is four to six weekly treatments. Once a patient realizes satisfactory results from treatment, they are encouraged to maintain a seasonal maintenance schedule in order to stay in balance. Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by Acupuncture and Oriental medicine. However, some conditions that have developed over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can treat most conditions, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, I will recommend you contact a Western medical doctor. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine should be seen as complementary to Western medicine.
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