ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a Chinese healing system over 5,000 years old. It involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body.

The first record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world.

It is said to have been written down from even earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years before European medicine.

Qi / Chi / Energy & Meridians (Body Points)

As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi. The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life.

A person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin and Yang . If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur.

Qi travels throughout the body along 'meridians' or special pathways. The acupuncture points are specific locations where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by 'needling', Moxibustion, and Acupressure. The connections between them ensure that there is an even circulation of Qi, a balance between Yin and Yang.

When pathways become obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance. This causes illness. Acupuncture is said to restore the balance.

Acupuncturists commonly use six types of needles today. These needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head. Most needles are disposable, are used once and discarded.

Taken from : here