What is Acupuncture?

According to Chinese Medicine, the body has an energy force running throughout it known as Qi (pronounced chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life. Qi travels throughout the body along special pathways or channels known as Meridians. There are fourteen main meridians on each half of the body which run vertically on the surface. A person's health is influenced by the effective flow of Qi in the body. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, illness may occur.

On the most basic of levels, acupuncture - which has been performed for 5,000 years - can be described as the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points in order to influence the Qi. Traditionally, there are 365 acupoints on the body relating to the meridian, most of which have a specific energetic function. Some points tend to move Qi towards the interior of the body while others bring energy to the surface. Patients describe a non-painful sensation during treatment.

The choice of acupuncture points varies by patient and treatment, and relies on very careful diagnoses of different kinds. Diagnosis entails the observation of the body through looking, touching, smelling and listening.