Acupuncture is an ancient eastern holistic system of health care that has been in use since antiquity. Stone Acupuncture needles have been discovered in Mongolia dating back to 3000 BCE. With the possible exception of Herbalism, Acupuncture has the distinction of being the oldest continually practiced from of medicine in the world. It is based on the direct observation of nature, its cycles and rhythms, and how these same movements show up within us.

All movement, or energy, is referred to as Qi in Chinese medicine. Qi is considered to be the basis for everything from light to the most dense matter. Qi can be further divided into Yang and Yin which are a way of describing the duality of everything. Qi energy runs through a system of channels that form a network over the surface of the body. This network, made up of 14 primary channels, or meridians, has a system of nodes, or acupoints distributed throughout. Each acupoint has unique functions and properties. The body has 362 acupoints that belong to the 14 primary channels.

In addition to the main 14 superficial channels, there are deeper pathways that connect the main channels to each other and to the deeper viscera and structure of the body. There are several hundred more acupoints that belong to microsystems located on the ears, scalp, hands, feet, face and back. There are still more points that can not be categorized as easily. The important thing to remember is that everything is interconnected. The practice of acupuncture involves stimulating combinations of Acupoints using prepackaged, single use, sterile filiform needles. The application of essential oils, heat, massage, or a mild current to the acupoints can also can affect the body in a theraputic manner.