How does it work?
The goal of acupuncture is to establish healthy body function by restoring the natural circulation of energy, or life force known in Chinese medicine as Qi. (This is pronounced as "chee" and is also commonly spelt as ch'i, chi or ki).
Qi is a fundamental concept of everyday Chinese culture, most often defined as "air" or "breath" and, by extension, "life force" or "spiritual energy" that is part of everything that exists.
The pathways through which this vital energy flows are known as meridians.
According to Chinese medical tradition, theres constant interchange between the Qi of the body and the Qi of the environment: external Qi, which can be good or harmful. Within the body, Qi is said to perform several functions, one of which is protection against harmful Qi. If this protective Qi is strong, it acts as a defence. If it is weak, resistance is lowered and you may become ill.
Along the bodys meridians, there are over 500 acupuncture points. Good Qi is thought to be restored to these areas by stimulation for example with needles, although occasionally massage, herbs, or suction cups may be used on these points.
