Acupuncture As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had 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. The Meridians, (or Channels),
are the same on both sides of the body (paired). There are fourteen main meridians
running vertically up and down the surface of the body. Out of these, there
are twelve organ Meridians in each half of the body. There are also two unpaired
midline Meridians. Acupuncture points are located specifically where the Meridians
come to the surface of the skin, each point has wide and differing actions on
the body and they are easily accessible by "needling," Moxibustion,
and Acupressure. The connections between them ensure that there is an even circulation
of Qi, a balance between Yin and Yang.
