The philosophy of Acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an element within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health system, which also includes herbs, acupressure, exercise, and diet. Fundamental to TCM are the concepts of yin and yang, opposite but complementary forces whose perfect balance within the body is essential for well-being. Yin signifies cold, damp, darkness, stillness, and contraction; yang signifies heat, dryness, light, action, and expansion.

This ancient Chinese practice is based on the belief that health is determined by chi (qi or ch'i) pronounced "chee", the invisible vital life energy that flows through every living thing. Yin and yang are components of chi. This energy is thought to move through the body along pathways called meridians (channels), each of which is linked to a specific organ. There are 12 regular meridians running up and down the body in pairs (six on the left and six on the right). They are mostly named after the main internal organs through which they pass. Six are primarily yin, associated with "solid" yin organs, such as the liver, six are yang, linked to "hollow" yang organs, such as the stomach. Two more meridians, the Conception and Governing vessels, provide control of the 12 other meridians. If the flow of energy is balanced, evenly circulating around the body, the individual enjoys good health. If something interrupts this flow, disruption on a meridian can create illness at any point along it. Various problems, including pain, can result; for example, a disorder in the Stomach meridian (passing through the upper gums) could cause a toothache. There are 365 acupoints along the meridians at which chi is concentrated and can enter and leave the body. It is possible to affect the circulation of chi at these points. Acupuncture is used to restore proper energy flow by inserting needles to stimulate or suppress the flow, and, as a result, bring about good health.

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