What Is Acupuncture? (1)

Acupuncture(针灸) is a major component of an ancient medical modality called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, 中医). Its application is based on 3 TCM core concepts – the meridian theory, the Yin Yang theory and the 5 elements theory. TCM believes that there is an energetic force called Qi (气) that constantly flows in special pathways – the meridians(经络), when Qi is stuck, or something that causes Qi to stuck, there will be illness.

There are 14 major meridians, 6 on the left side of body, 6 on the right side of the body, and there is one in the middle on the front, and one in the middle on the back. Each meridian has a number of special spots called acupuncture points, total 654, each point has different therapeutical function(s), and acupuncturists need to remember every one of them!