Acupuncture, a Chinese therapy that has been used for centuries, is based on the theory that there is an energy called “chi” or “qi”flowing through the body.

Chi flows along energy pathways called meridians, and acupuncturists believe a blocking or imbalance of the flow of chi at any point may result in illness. Acupuncture unblocks and balances the flow of chito restore health.

Acupuncture is most often used to relieve pain, and researchers have verified results, citing body chemicals that have calming effects(opioid peptides) and affected glands (such as the hypothalamus) that produce pain-killing substances.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture usually is done by putting very thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body to produce energy flow along the body’s meridians. Other types of acupuncture use heat,pressure, or mild electrical current.

In addition, North American psychological, physiological and medical researchers are also studying acupuncture (or Qigong) with interest.

Today more than 70 million Chinese practice Qigong daily, as a curative step for existing afflictions and as a preventative measure.