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Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin, which communicates, from the exterior to the internal organs and structures over 1,000 "Acupoints" on the body. The Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) theory of acupuncture is based in part on these patterns of energy flow composed of Qi (pronounced chee) throughout the body. Energy flow is required for good health; blockages in Qi lead to pain and ill health. Qi is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. Yin and Yang are counter poles; they are each others opposites in which life is searching for harmony and balance. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. The models of health, disease, and treatment are presented in terms of patients' harmony or disharmony within this larger order, and involve their responses to external extremes of wind, heat, damp, dryness, and cold, as well as to internal extremes of anger, excitement, worry, sadness, and fear. When the vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. All traditional oriental medicine practices are focused on improving the flow of Qi. Thus, according to TOM practitioners, the use of acupuncture stimulates certain points in the energy channels, restoring (or maintaining) a healthy flow and balance. Acupuncture practitioner believes that energy works in harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the body. By various techniques acupuncture therapist helps a person move back into harmony with themselves, their emotions and their life as a whole. Acupuncture is one discipline extracted from a complex heritage of Chinese medicine-a tradition that also includes massage and manipulation, stretching and breathing exercises, and herbal formulae, as well as exorcism of demons and magical correspondences Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points (acupoints), which are primarily located along meridians. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body may restore harmony to the affected area. It is well established that acupuncture stimulates the release of naturally occurring chemicals and hormones especially endorphins. Endorphins can change the experience of pain, influence the body’s self-regulating systems, and promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Brain blood flow: Studies indicate that acupuncture clearly effects blood flow to centers of the brain and the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow, oxygenation and body temperature. Scientists don't know exactly which mechanisms make acupuncture effective and more research is needed to define the exact mechanism of acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science, which is used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.
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