Many of these therapies are based on eastern medicine techniques that are thousands of years old. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, it is believed that energy, or chi, flows through the body. If the flow of energy is interrupted, pain and illness can result. Therapies such as acupuncture or acupressure restore a smooth flow of energy through the body. When these points are pressed they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's energy to aid healing.
Chinese medicine uses acupuncture to adjust the flow of energy in the body.
One scientific theory is that acupuncture works to relieve pain by releasing the body's natural pain inhibitors known as endorphins. A system of exercises that integrates acupressure and yoga. Yoga involves breath control while holding the body in certain postures. Acupressure is a manipulation of energy on certain points on the body. Both systems relax muscular tension, balance the body's energy and help the body heal.