Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese science that dates back thousands of years. Although complex to learn and practice, this discipline can be easily explained. Acupuncture needles are gently placed through the skin along various key points to help rebalance Qi, or energy, so the body systems work in harmony. Qi is meant to flow smoothly to even the most remote cells. Think of Qi as “The Force,” the energy that makes a clear distinction between life and death. When it is balanced, your health is good and strong. When it is blocked, you may experience pain, disease, depression, confusion, or other physical or emotional dysfunction. Acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine, a comprehensive health care system. These traditional health care therapies have been used for more than 5,000 years to diagnose and treat illness, to prevent disease, and to improve well-being. Although the exact mechanism of action pertaining to acupuncture has not been explained in Western Medical terms, one theory is that acupuncture modulates pain transmission and the pain response by activation of endorphins and various neuropeptides by needle insertion. Acupuncture involves a holistic approach to health and wellness. And because the effectiveness of acupuncture and this approach has become increasingly recognized in the United States and other Western Countries. By and large, many physicians today refer patients to experienced acupuncture practitioners.