Acupuncture Therapies Today

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese health procedure dating back 5,000 years. It traditionally had a preventative focus. The highest form of acupuncture treatment was given to enable the patient to live a long, healthy life. These days in the Western world the emphasis seems to be more towards relieving pain. Acupuncture literally means 'needle piercing', which describes the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin in order to stimulate specific points. The stimulation of these 'acupoints' balances the movement of energy (Chi) within the body. Chi flows around the body in invisible channels known as meridians which form a network of energy channels around the body. Each meridian is related to a body organ or function (eg. lung, kidney, stomach). There are 365 acupoints situated along the 12 main meridians.