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"A superior doctor is able to gather all techniques and use them either together or separately, to flexibly adapt to a changing environment, life-style, and geography, and to consider many variables in the treatment of a condition. Thus, it is understood that even though treatment methods are different, all can succeed in healing a condition. This is dependent on the ability of the doctor to consider all variables and select the proper principle of treatment."	"In the old days sages treated disease by preventing illness before it began, just as a good government or emperor was able to take the necessary steps to avert war. Treating an illness after it has begun is like suppressing revolt after it has broken out ... one cannot help but ask: Are not these actions too late?"
from the Neijing, or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine, ~240 B.C., translated by Maoshing Ni
Acupuncture Methods Acupuncture is an inexpensive, non-intrusive, pre-modern form of medicine. It is one of the oldest continuously practiced healing systems. Both preventative and palliative, anyone can benefit - even those whose problems resist modern medical methods or when there is no specific diagnosis. Tao is the Chinese character which, loosely translated, means 'The Way'. Following the Tao means adapting to nature's eternal rhythmic changes, honoring the essence or true spirit in all living things. Chinese medical practitioners are trained to understand the laws of nature and diagnose in reference to them. The most effective styles of acupuncture seek to harmonize the human being with the Tao. The Five Element method gives constant attention to the root causes of imbalances and disease.	Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM addresses specific physical symptoms of organ function. The Balance Method is particularly powerful for immediate relief from pain, numbness, or restricted movement. Auricular Acupuncture uses points mapped on the ear, imaged as an homunuclus. Esoteric Acupuncture combines Chinese, Hindu, Sacred Geometry, and Qabalistic theory. These are the systems I employ, but whatever methods are used, acupuncturists do not have the power to cure disease. At best, we can assist nature in the cure. In so doing, the qi is able to resolve the cause of the disease. That allows the symptoms to disappear.