What is acupuncture? Put quite simply, it is the insertion of very fine needles (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus) into the skin. The purpose of this stimulation is to influence physiological, emotional and psychological functions in the mind and body. (Chinese medicine has always acknowledged that the mind and body are inter-related).

The first record of acupuncture is found in the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This is the oldest medical textbook in the world and is thought to have been written about 4,700 years ago. It is said to have been compiled from even earlier theories by Shen Nung, a brilliant physician and medical theorist, considered by many to be the father of Chinese Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years before their discovery in European medicine.

Shen Nung theorized that the body had energy running through it. This energy is known as qi (pronounced Chee). Qi is the motive force of all essential life activities including the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of one's being. Qi travels throughout the body along "Meridians" or special pathways. The Meridians (or Channels) run bilaterally; that is, they are the same on both sides of the body. There are fourteen main meridians running vertically up and down. Of these, there are twelve organ Meridians and two unpaired midline Meridians.

Acupuncture points are specific locations where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by "needling." Since energy constantly flows up and down these pathways, the connections between them ensure that there is an even circulation of qi. A person's health is influenced by the flow of qi in their body. If that flow is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, illness may occur. Acupuncture is said to restore the balance.

Yin and Yang theory is important in the discussion of acupuncture treatment, particularly in relation to the Chinese theory of body systems. Originally discovered from viewing natural phenomena, yin and yang are the metaphorical description of opposite forces  that, when balanced, work together. In nature, any upset in the balance will result in natural calamities and in living things, this lack of balance results in disease.

Yin is signified by female attributes, passive, dark, cold, moist, that which moves medially, and is deficient of yang. Yang is signified by male attributes, light, active, warm, dry, that which moves laterally, and is deficient of yin. Nothing is completely yin or yang. The most striking example of this is man himself. A man is the combination of his mother (yin) and and his father (yang). He contains qualities of both. (Tai Chi symbol Illustration missing?) This is the universal symbol describing the constant flow of yin and yang forces. You'll notice that within yin, there is Yang, and within Yang, there is the genesis of Yin. Whether or not you believe in Taoist philosophy, (which all this is based on), one thing is indisputable: acupuncture works.

Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of acupuncture needles, though only six are commonly used today. These needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head. Today, most needles are disposible. They are used once and discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidelines. Practitioners employ precise methods for inserting needles. Points can be needled anywhere in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface, depending on the treatment called for. In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired. This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi (pronounced dah-chee).

The following techniques are some which may be used by an acupuncturist immediately following insertion: Raising and Thrusting, Twirling or Rotation, Combination of Raising/Thrusting and Rotation, Plucking, Scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and Trembling (another vibration technique). It should be emphasized that techniques are not arbitrary, they are carefully chosen based on the ailment. This is the Chinese medical equivalent of the Western prescription.

There are several related procedures that fall into the range of acupuncture treatments. The first is Electro-Acupuncture. This is the use of very small electrical impulses sent through the Acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for analgesia (pain relief or prevention). The amount of power used is only a few micro amperes, but the frequency of the current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher frequencies are generally used for surgery (usually abdominal), and the lower frequencies for general pain relief. The first reported successful use of Electro-Acupuncture was in 1958 in China for a tonsillectomy. Today, it is a common method of surgical analgesia used in China. Other modern methods for stimulating acupuncture points include using lasers and sound waves (sonopuncture).

The second commonly used treatment in the United States is auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture. It is based on the theory that since the ear has a rich nerve and blood supply, it also must have connections all over the body. For this reason, the ear has many acupuncture points which correspond to many parts and organs of the body. Auricular acupuncture has been successful in treating problems ranging from obesity to alcoholism and drug addiction. There are numerous studies available which affirm auricular acupuncture's effectiveness.

The third treatment method is moxibustion. It is the treatment of conditions by applying heat produced by burning specific herbs to acupuncture points. Acupuncture and moxibustion are considered complimentary forms of treatment, and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is used for ailments such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis, and arthritic disorders.

The fourth method is cupping. This is a technique involving the stimulation of acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This approach produces blood congestion at the site, and is used to draw out deleterious energy. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and in helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.

Lastly, one of the most popular alternatives to acupuncture is acupressure. This is simply acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of the acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or an instrument with a hard ball shaped head. Acupressure is commonly referred to as Reflexology (also called Zone Therapy). This method involves stimulation of the soles of the feet and the back and bottom regions of the ankle joints. Many diseases of the internal organs can be treated in this manner.