Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China and its earliest, primitive forms are documented as far back as 6000 BCE. Modern acupuncture uses extremely fine needles that are inserted at specific points of a patient’s body in order to channel the body’s energy flow, called qi (pronounced, chee). Acupuncture theory believes that this qi moves throughout the body along 12 main channels called meridians. These channels do not follow the exact pathways that conventional Western medicine has mapped for nerves and blood flow. It was only in the more recent decades that Western medicine has recognized acupuncture’s validity. This is in part because Western medicine did not have the language to explain meridian theory. Now that this is being developed, acupuncture is becoming more widely accepted by the Western medical community. 

Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column. It is believed that these misalignments cause disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. It focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Doctors of chiropractic (DC) use a hands-on, drug free approach to health care.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a distinct branch of medical practice that emphasizes the interrelated unity of all systems in the body, including those of the physical, mental and emotional, and how they work with each other to heal in times of illness. Many people have doctor of osteopathy (DO) as their primary care physician. They are fully licensed and practice a unique, holistic approach to medicine where they look beyond a patient’s symptoms to understand the lifestyle and environmental factors, etc., that may be impacting the patient’s well-being. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment is a hands-on tool used to diagnose, treat, and prevent injury and illness through the manipulation and massage of the bones, joints, and muscles.