Oriental Medicine has a unique perspective on disease and illness. The body is viewed not in a mechanistic way, as a machine with varied operating parts, but as a complete natural ecosystem. From this perspective nothing is lacking and disease is simply when that ecosystem has strayed from its natural state of balance. Oriental Medicine views the body in a similar way as one would view a garden. Gardeners know that some areas of the garden are very dry whereas others are very damp; some areas get a lot of sun and are hot and some areas remain quite dark and cool. The goal of a gardener is to adapt his/her garden plan to adapt to these natural elements. Careful observation of the natural elements present and a skillful application of one’s gardening skill is what will allow a garden to flourish. Oriental Medicine uses natural metaphors like a gardener would for the purpose of medical diagnosis. Terms such as Heat, Cold, Dryness, Dampness, Wind and so forth describe both a disease process as well as the underlying constitution of a patient. The skill of a practitioner is to bring balance to the natural system of each individual patient. The therapies employed by the practitioner , such as acupuncture, herbs, dietary therapy and so on all are designed to restore the natural balance of the body and bring out its natural healing ability. A beautifully composed and maintained garden is something that all of us can appreciate whether we are coming more from an Eastern or Western perspective!