Basis of Acupunture

The Chinese believe that there are 365 acupuncture points in the human body which corresponds to 365 days in a year. In addition there are 14 major meridian lines in the body. Out of these 12 are supposed to represent the 12 main organs of the body. The spine has one meridian aligned with it while another is supposed to be aligned with midline of the abdomen. This does sound out of context of modern medical thought. However Neuroimaging of the human body and further research does give a clue at the possibility that certain acupuncture points may have distinct effects that cannot be predictable anatomically.

Acupuncture theory as enunciated by the Chinese refers to an energy force called "Qi". This energy force is supposed to circulate throughout the human body. The circulation takes place through special pathways called Meridians or channels. The points that connect the body tissues to the organs through the meridians are called 'acupuncture points'. The Chinese believe that this energy force Qi needs to be free flowing for a person to be healthy. In case the flow of Qi is disturbed for any reason then an imbalance is created and is the cause of any subsequent illness. By Acupuncture therapy the Chinese believe that the imbalance is restored and once the energy force Qi is restored the patient recovers.

Acupuncture gives practical results for pain relief. Migraine, backache, period pain, arthritic and rheumatic pain, post-operative pain, and post-injury pain are known to be greatly reduced by use of this therapy. The Chinese believe that by inserting small needles at these points the process of restoring Qi can be commenced.