Acupuncture History Heading link
Acupuncture is part of an ancient healing method that started in China more than 2000 years ago. Acupuncture involves placing very thin sterile, disposable needles in different places on the body. Acupuncture is given by a licensed acupuncturist or an MD with special training. It is still used to help treat many different conditions throughout the world. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health, (NIH), is interested in learning more about how acupuncture works and which medical problems it can benefit.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Sponsored Studies involving Acupuncture for:
- Low back pain
- Angina
- Women’s genital pain
- Sickle cell disease pain
- Side effects of cancer treatments
Qi and Meridians Heading link
Acupuncture works because it moves your body’s vital energy called qi. Qi moves through meridians. Meridians are (shown above) – they are the pathways along which the qi and blood flow. When your body’s qi is blocked and out of balance, your body may feel pain and experience disease. Acupuncture rebalances the qi so you feel less ill and have less pain.