What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 5000 years. Simply, acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body's surface in order to control function of the body. It is based on the theory that energy known as Qi (pronounced chee) flows along channels, or pathways throughout the body. Because Qi controls one's emotional, physical and mental aspects of life, when it is hindered or unbalanced, one's health may be affected.

Qi consists of two portions, yin and yang. These are opposite forces, but work mutually when balanced. It must be remembered that yin and yang are complementary and not contradictory. Nor is one regarded as "good" and the other "bad". Rather a harmony is sought between them. If these are thrown out of equilibrium discomfort and disease occur. Acupuncture works by restoring this balance.

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