What is Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) and what conditions are commonly treated with acupuncture and TOM?

Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) is a complete medical system that has been employed for the treatment and prevention of illness for thousands of years. This system of healing views the patient as a whole being, composed of body, mind, and spirit. It strives to achieve balance between the body and nature and the two mutually dependent opposing forces of yin and yang. The goal is to achieve and maintain optimal health and well-being.

Utilizing acupuncture and herbs, TOM can successfully treat and prevent many illnesses. Additional modalities, including moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na, massage, acupressure and nutritional counseling may further enhance the healing process.

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture can effectively treat a wide array of acute and chronic health conditions and provide preventive care.

The following disorders may benefit from acupuncture treatments.

Musculo-skeletal: arthritis, back and neck pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia, joint pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, shoulder pain, sports injuries, sprains, TMJ, tendonitis

Urogenital/Reproductive: endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause, morning sickness, pre-menstrual syndrome, prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections, vaginitis

Respiratory / Ear, Nose, Throat: allergies, asthma, bronchitis, common colds, emphysema, eye disease, flu, hearing loss, vertigo, sore throat, laryngitis, sinusitis

Cardiovascular: angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, anemia, hypertension, palpitations, coronary heart disease

Gastrointestinal: anorexia, food allergies, peptic ulcer, constipation, colitis, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting, gastritis

Mental / Neurologic: anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, Bell's palsy, cerebral palsy, dizziness, headaches, migraines, multiple sclerosis, neuralgia, stroke, paralysis, tremors

Dermatologic: acne, dermatitis, eczema, herpes, hives

Miscellaneous Disorders: chronic pain, diabetes, fatigue, hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, HIV and AIDS related conditions