Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive heath care system with a clinical history of over 3,000 years. TCM encompasses five branches of health including acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, dietary therapy and exercise based on traditional medicine principles and correct body mechanics. The general theory of acupuncture concludes that physiological function and heath depend on circulation of blood, nutrients and Qi throughout a network of channels in the body.  Qi is most commonly translated as “Energy,” though it can be as immaterial as spirit, or nerve impulse, and as material as blood, lymph and other body fluids.  Twelve primary channels traverse the surface of the body and connect internally to organs, glands and other anatomical structures. They provide balance, regulation and coordination of the physiological process.

TCM defines health as a state of physical, mental and spiritual balance.  All illness and disease are fundamentally due to an imbalance on any of these levels, which can block the correct flow of Qi throughout the body.  Acupuncture is able to balance Qi throughout the entire body by manipulating designated points on the meridians with various techniques including the superficial insertion of acupuncture needles, the application of heat, pressure or electrical impulse and herbal medicine.  There are more that three hundred acupuncture points, each of which has a specific effect on the body.