Acupuncture is one of the most familiar treatments associated with alternative therapy. Traditional acupuncture therapy utilises long, thin needles. (Some practitioners also use electrostimulation of the needles, lasers and even ultrasound.) Acupuncturists insert needles into specific energy-points in the body to relieve pain and/or to balance the body's energy to create a more harmonic energy-flow. This energy-flow is known as Qi.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi energy flows in channels in the human body. If Qi energy flows smoothly, the patient will be healthy. Any disturbance or obstruction of Qi energy will cause the body to become affected through illness.
Acupuncture therapy works by realigning the body's flow of Qi energy. By evenly dispersing the body's energy instead of allowing it to concentrate in one area where it can cause pain or illness, the body's energy becomes balanced. When the body's energy is balanced good health will follow.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pharmacopoeias contain many references to acupuncture therapy, which is often used in conjunction with herbal and dietary therapy