Acupuncture

[IChing]
Chinese herbal medicines are a very effective means of relieving the root causes of illness. But Chinese medicine offers other, equally effective and complementary methods to overcome the body's ills.
Meridians

Chinese medicine relies on meridians--highways through which the body's Qi flows
If the liver has an excess of Qi, which causes anger and agitation, it must be reduced and redirected; if the lungs do not have enough Qi, excess Qi from other parts of the body must be redirected to the lungs so the patient's vital energy is enhanced and congestion reduced.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years both as anesthesia and to restore the energy balance in the body. According to Chinese medicine, illness is caused by an imbalance of Qi, or life force. An acupuncturist places needles along the bodies --to reduce the Qi from places where it is excessive and direct it to places where it is lacking.
Unlike western medicine, which seeks to understand symptoms and treat them, Chinese medicine seeks to uncover the deeper disturbances that causes a patient to become ill. Herbal medicines are one way to overcome this imbalance, acupuncture is another.
Acupressure

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but the doctor uses his or her fingers, hands, and sometimes a small stick, to stimulate the body's Qi.

Moxibustion
A common compliment to acupuncture treatment is moxibustion. Moxibustion manipulates the meridians of the body much as acupuncture does, seeking to affect and improve the flow of Qi in the body. Moxibustion, however, uses heat, rather than needles. A doctor places small balls of mugwort (a herb) either directly on the patient's meridian point, or on top of a small piece of ginger, garlic, or a pinch of salt, and ignites it. The heat from the burning herb penetrates the skin and stimulates the point, much as the needle does. Sometimes the doctor will use a bundle of mugwort, similar in shape and size to a cigar, to apply heat to particular points on the patient's body.
DAAN's resident OMDs provide acupuncture, acupressure, or moxibustion.