Many eastern cultures take a holistic approach to healing. One method, acupuncture, has been used in Asian countries for centuries. Acupuncture utilizes the body’s natural ability to rejuvenate itself, and is performed by inserting tiny needles into specific pressure points on the skin. The process is believed to restore the body’s balance of energy.

Recent studies have shown that acupuncture helps stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, a naturally occurring molecule in the brain that induces relaxation. Acupuncture can be used to relieve a variety of health conditions including headaches, back pain, sinus conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, menopausal syndrome, PMS, and impotency.

Another method of holistic healing that comes from the orient is Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal medicine combines dozens of natural Asian herbs to provide treatments for various ailments. A professional certified herbalist can prescribe a diagnosis-specific herbal treatment regimen to help with anything from back pain to indigestion.

The advantage of natural healing is that the methods are virtually free of unwanted side effects. Acupuncture and herbal medicine services are gaining popularity in California. Specialists can be found in medical spas or wellness centers all along the coast.