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Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. Acupuncture is designed to manipulate the flow of energy (known as "qi") through the body to ensure proper function of all the organ systems. Disruption or stagnation of flow is believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture aims to correct any imbalances of flow by using thin needles inserted into points close to the skin along pathways known as "meridians". The acupuncturist inserts the metal needles into these anatomically-defined locations on the body therapeutically to affect bodily function. |
There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:
* acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
* acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
* acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
* acupuncture stimulates circulation
* acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
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