Is Oriental medicine compatible with Western medicine?
Absolutely. Oriental medicine can work to compliment the benefits of western medicine. In addition, Oriental medicine can often reduce unpleasant side-effects associated with prescription medicines. Licensed acupuncturists are also trained to recognize symptoms that indicate a need for a medical doctor or a specialist. A patient’s road to health is vastly shortened to the extent that she or he participates in their recovery. We give our patients as much knowledge as we can about their condition in terms of Chinese medical philosophy. Individual herbal remedies are often prescribed as an important part of the treatment. We discuss the contribution of diet and other lifestyle choices to the patient’s condition, and support efforts towards gradual changes that will improve the patient’s health. The patient may get additional “homework”, such as home moxibustion, acupressure, stretches, or simple qi gong exercises.
