As the basis of Acupuncture, it states that the body has an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi (roughly pronounced Chee). 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.
Acupuncture works by using needles to access the Qi (“chee”) or vital energy at acupoints along meridians (pathways for Qi), and manipulating that energy in specific ways. One can supplement, drain, or move the Qi in order to restore the proper flow of energy through the meridians in the body.
Meridians are similar to small energy highways in the body. They are all interconnected and correspond to specific organ systems and flow in designated directions. Whenever Qi is stuck in a specific area, something happens similar to a traffic jam on a highway, and that part of the body will react, becoming painful or manifesting signs of pathology in an area associated with its corresponding organ system.
Similarly, when there is not enough Qi flowing in a certain meridian, symptoms such as weakness and fatigue may occur, signaling not enough nourishment is being circulating to all or part of the body. However, if the energy travels the wrong way within a meridian, like a car traveling the wrong way down a one way street, other types of imbalances will arise.
