11/08/2025
Well said Grace Rollins
Emerging from a different philosophical and cultural background many centuries ago in China, acupuncture developed according to a “systems-based” approach, in contrast to the “reductionistic” approach that is prevalent in modern Western medicine.
This means that in order to understand how to treat a symptom or illness, in traditional Eastern medicine all systems are evaluated as part of a whole being that requires balance in order to maintain harmonious function.
Our practitioners utilize traditional methods of diagnosis such as pulse, tongue, palpation, questioning, and other forms of observation to identify imbalances that can be supported through the use of acupuncture point stimulation.
Modern scientific understanding about how acupuncture affects anatomy and physiology can synergistically work alongside with these powerful traditional models of systems-based diagnosis and treatment.
In this fashion, we practice integrative medicine every day at Bridge.
In one session, we may be treating the anatomical specifics of a nerve entrapment or stimulating scientifically established reflexes for brain blood flow, while also choosing acupuncture points for "constitutional" support such as improving the balance of an organ or a meridian.
The goal is to make the patient stronger overall while also treating the chief complaint.
Often your session will include recommendations on movement, nutrition or other lifestyle modifications in order to support your treatment outcome, because a living being is more than just the sum of its individual parts!
