CAM 101 Handout

Session 2 November 13, 2013 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Oriental Medicine
Oriental medicine dates back more than 5,000 years or possibly further. It is an Alternative Medical System, meaning it can function either on its own or as a complement to other systems, including Western (allopathic). Popularly called Traditional Oriental Medicine. A few forms of treatment
Gua sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine. Sometimes called coining, spooning or scraping, Gua sha is defined as instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of a lubricated area of the body surface to intentionally create transitory therapeutic petechiae called sha representing extravasation of blood in the subcutis. Cupping - Glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball or other flammable substance, which is soaked in alcohol, let, then placed inside the cup, creating a vacuum. The cup is turned upside-down and placed over a specific area. The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. This opens up the skins pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and qi. Other studies have shown that moxibustion increases the movement of the fetus in pregnant women, and may reduce the symptoms of menstrual cramps when used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture

Herbal medicine is an integral component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is also one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. It can treat a variety of conditions, including colds, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, arthritis, skin disorders, asthma, and a host of other problems usually treated with pharmaceuticals and prescription medications. Tui na - The term tui na (pronounced "twee naw"), which literally means "pinch and pull," refers to a wide range of Traditional Oriental Medicine therapeutic massage and body work. It is not generally used for pleasure and relaxation, but rather as a treatment to address specific patterns of disharmony. Practitioners use it for many of the same reasons and according to the same principles as acupuncture,

Diet - The Chinese viewpoint of a balanced diet is very different from that in the West. In the Chinese system, a balanced diet is one which includes all 5 tastes - spicy, sour, bitter, sweet, and salty. Foods and herbs which have a particular taste tend to have particular properties. For example, bitter herbs and foods tend to be drying and Cold. This tends to make them good for treating Damp Heat conditions, but contraindicated for people who are too Cold and/or too Dry. Many of them have antibiotic-like properties. Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. The word Qigong (pronounced chee gung) is made up of two Chinese words. Qi is usually translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe. The second word, Gong, means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qigong means cultivating energy, it is

harmonizing yin and yang in the body by manipulating the Qi in the acupuncture channels. Includes "acupressure," where practitioners use finger pressure instead of needles to stimulate the acupuncture points. It is considered as the predecessor to most modern styles of massage therapy and chiropractic.

a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. This is similar to, but not the same as, Tai Chi, which is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world and is practiced around the world with many different forms. Acupuncture is a major component of Oriental Medicine. Stimulates anatomical points, or meridians, on the body. Meridians are the 12 channels of chi, corresponding with the main organs of the body.
French energetic Emphasizes the use of meridian points, basically yinyang pairs. Auricular Ear is microcosm of body. Used extensively to treat addiction disorders. Japanese More emphasis on needling technique and feeling meridians.

Types of Acupuncture
TCM-based 8 principles of complementary opposites to create harmony Korean hand Using hands and feet as high concentrations of qi for the entire body. Myofascially-based Feeling meridian lines for tender points to promote energy flow.

Ah-shi - The tender point is called the Ah shi point by the Chinese. A tender point is often found in painful diseases and the acupuncturist will be guided to this point by and through clinical examination and experience. In many cases the Ah shi point may be felt as a pea-sized nodule(s) under the skin, or the patient may draw the attention of the acupuncturist to a painful area. The Ah shi point should always be used, especially in diseases of pain, along with local acupuncture points.

Effective for:
Addictions Allergies Anxiety Asthma Back pain Behavioral problems Childbirth Chronic fatigue Conception difficulties Constipation Cough Depression Digestive problems Dizziness Ear infections Fibromyalgia Headaches High blood pressure Impotence Indigestion Infertility Insomnia Lactation difficulties Menopause Menstrual irregularities Musculoskeletal problems Ovarian problems Palliative care Postoperative recovery Postpartum Pregnancy Preventative health Prostate Sciatica Seasonal attunement Sexual dysfunction Sinusitis Sleep problems Stress management TMJ Uterine problems Wellness