Acupuncture

Acupuncture as a modality specifically uses the insertion of very fine sterilized needles into specific points along pathways in the body called "meridians". These meridians carry the flow of "qi" (pronounced chee) and connect to both the the exterior and internal organs of the body. Qi is "energy", "life-force" or "moving power". It flows within the body and interweaves itself into every aspect of the universe and exists in many different forms. Stimulation of qi in these points works simply to re-establish the flow where there is imbalance or stagnation. Acupressure works the same way. The theory is that any excess, deficiency or stagnation of qi will result in disease.