The acupuncture points were mapped by the Chinese over a period of 2,000 years and recently these locations have been confirmed by electromagnetic research. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, disease is considered to arise due to an imbalance of vital energy in the body's energetic pathways or meridians and their associated physiological systems. It is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi and blood through distinct meridians that cover the body somewhat like the nervous system and blood vessels. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is excessive. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body allowing it to heal.
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair.
Insertion by a skilled practitioner is usually painless and in most cases the needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. There are certain techniques of acupuncture which can cause a patient to feel some tingling, heaviness, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. These sensations are usually mild and subside quickly after insertion. Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection. The main source of pain from an injection is the large diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue, causing a burning sensation.