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Early
Writings
The earliest
surviving medical classic in China, Huangdi Neijing or Yellow
Emperor's Canon of Medicine, was compiled between 500-300
BC. It is a summary of the medical experience and theoretical
knowledge of a well-developed system of medicine. Oriental
medicine has served East Asian peoples for 2,500 to 3,000
years, making it the oldest continuously practiced major
health care system in the world. As the U.S. District Court
for the Southern District of Texas said, "Acupuncture has
been practiced for 2,000 to 5,000 years. It is no more experimental
as a mode of medical treatment than is the Chinese language
as a mode of communication. What is experimental is not
acupuncture, but Westerners' understanding of it and their
ability to utilize it properly." Oriental medicine includes
various techniques, though it is best known for acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Since
the Stone Age, the Chinese people have applied pressure
or heat to certain points on the body to provoke a healing
response. Beginning with stone needles (bian stones), then
bronze, iron and currently stainless steel, acupuncture
has been used to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself.
On March 28, 1996, acupuncture needles were reclassified
by the Food and Drug Administration from, "Class 2, experimental"
devices to "Class 1, Approved". Acupuncture needles are
now considered general medical instruments, similar to scalpels
or forceps. There is no restriction as to which conditions
may be treated using an acupuncture needle. Dr. Wells uses
only needles that are pre-sterilized for single use, then
disposed in compliance with OSHA requirements.
Moxibustion
 The
application of heat to specific points to achieve healing
effects probably also began around Stone-age campfires.
The most common way to apply heat is known as moxibustion.
This technique involves placing burning leaves of artemesia
vulgaris (also known as "moxa") near the point to be treated.
This is called "indirect moxibustion". Used in this manner,
moxibustion gently warms the area and stimulates the acupuncture
point.
Herbal
Medicine
The use
of various plant, mineral and animal products for medicinal
purposes also dates back to the Stone Age, and comprises
a significant portion of Oriental medicine. Several herbs
are typically prescribed together as a formula to balance
the whole person rather than as single herbs to treat a
single condition. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine also
differs from its Western counterpart in that the formulas
were often designed to enhance health and longevity rather
than fight disease, though that purpose is also served.
According to federal law, herbs are considered, "dietary
supplements to promote health", not as drugs used to treat
disease. As such, herbs and other nutrients may only claim
to "promote the normal structure and function of the human
body." Many acupuncturists feel that this definition is
consistent with the goals of traditional Oriental medicine,
i.e., to "smooth the flow of chi" or "strengthen deficiency".
Dr. Wells also uses Chinese herbal products in his practice.
Herbal formulas used by Dr. Wells meet or exceed FDA "Good
Manufacturing Practices" for food. These formulas are in
easy to use capsules or liquid preparations.
The
Spread of Oriental Medicine
Over
the millennia, acupuncture and Oriental medicine spread
throughout Asia and developed into many schools of thought
in different parts of China, Korea, Japan and Southeast
Asia. Many techniques drifted into Western Medicine, such
as cupping, cauterization, and some forms of massage and
joint manipulation. The Yellow Emperor's Classic also describes
techniques of immunization and surgery, though they have
been independently reinvented in the West.
Acupuncture
comes to America
In 1972
President Nixon made his historic trip to China. One of
the reporters who accompanied him, James Reston, required
abdominal surgery. To the amazement of the Nixon entourage,
the surgery was performed using acupuncture for anesthesia.
This event brought acupuncture into the eye of the American
public and helped lead to licensure for acupuncture in several
states. (Many American surgeons who tried acupuncture were
disappointed in that acupuncture does not offer total anesthesia
and have since discontinued use.)
…And
spreads across the country
The practice
of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is now licensed in
32 states and the District of Columbia. Over 10,000 non-physician
licensed acupuncturists are estimated to be practicing in
the United States and almost that many students are currently
enrolled in an acupuncture college. It is the fastest growing
health care profession.
To schedule or check
your appointment time, or to inquire about billing, insurance
or other policies, click here office@drwells.net
or call us at (818)788-4220.
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