The Chinese and Easterners have used acupuncture for about 3000 years to treat illnesses and to maintain good health. The Chinese explains that energy channels, called meridians run through the body nourishing the tissues. Blockage of these meridians can lead to energy or chi build up at a single point causing lack of energy to heal and nourish tissues and organs.
Needles at the acupuncture point can influence the meridians. Needles release the obstruction and allow the flow of energy to regulate. A western theory of needling, is that its causes the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, brain, and spinal cord. These chemicals will influence the release of other chemicals and hormones to aid the body in self-healing.
Acupuncture can be use to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as, backaches, headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive disorders, muscle pain, joint pain, and psychological problems. Many people continue to use acupuncture as a form of preventative medicine.