My sophomore year of high school was one of trials and tribulations, and contained a lot of extreme ups and downs. While some Western doctors might have diagnosed me differently, my acupuncturist, Lauri Doyle of San Luis Obispo, said I simply had a hormone imbalance which is very common in teenagers, and allergies to wheat, corn, and artificial sweeteners. Now, after receiving acupuncture treatments and completely modifying my diet (I now eat no corn products, no wheat, little dairy, and very little processed sugar), and including supplements, I have had a total transformation. Long gone are the days when I had little energy and my mood would plummet for no apparent reason. I mainly attribute my newfound well being to the ancient practice of Oriental Medicine and my desire to learn and try new things, so for my future career, I plan to be an Acupuncturist/Oriental Medicine practitioner.
[...] Since ears have a very large number of nerves and a surprisingly large blood supply, it is a commonly held belief in Oriental medicine that the ear has many acupuncture points to correspond with many parts and organs of the body (Doyle). I received ear acupuncture to help with stress and my various allergies, but it can also be used to help combat obesity and drug addiction. Another type of treatment is called moxibustion. Moxibustion is a combination of needles, the herb moxa, and heat being applied to certain acupuncture points. [...]
[...] Fortunately, there is no required major in order to participate in the Master's program, so at this time I am taking a variety of classes to see what captures my interest. So far I have really enjoyed my Religious Studies classes, and Lauri Doyle confirmed that this would be a great major considering the status of this particular major at UCSB (second only to Yale in the Nation) and the fact that healing is an integral part of many world religions. [...]
[...] Despite their differences, if these two techniques can be combined, a comprehensive healing technique could be developed. With the methods of Western medicine to eliminate pathogens and the efficacy of Oriental medicine in maintaining body energy, a combined system could truly help human beings, especially as more cancers and diseases are regularly discovered. It is my goal to be a part of the process in combining these traditions in order to create an effective and comprehensive healing method through my future career in Oriental medicine. Works Cited Abramson, Robert J. “Five-Element [...]
[...] Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is very physically and mentally demanding, since most of the methods include physical contact with the patient through insertion of needles, pressure, etc. Although Lauri regretted cutting back on appointments, she immediately noticed an increase in her wellbeing, and better results in her treatments. Lauri plans family vacations far in advance, in order to make patients aware that she won't be taking appointments for that time. However, she explained that it is very difficult to take a sick day because of all the rescheduling she has to do. [...]
[...] Other than acupuncture, Oriental medicine is comprised of methods such as electrical stimulation known as electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, the burning of the herb moxa in association with acupuncture, concentrated pressure on a given area, known as acupressure, and light therapy using lasers (Mayer 50). Acupuncture is the most common of the Oriental medicine techniques, and is known for treating a variety of disorders including back pain, arthritic conditions, various allergies, headaches, general pain, anxiety and depression, and addictions (Doyle). One of the most important parts of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is the diagnosis of diseases and ailments. [...]
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