According to traditional Chinese medicine, when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of Qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. Acupuncture is believed to balance yin and yang, keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and restore health to the body and mind. Western scientists have found meridians hard to identify. Meridians do not directly match with nerve or blood circulation pathways. Differences of opinion have made acupuncture a source of scientific debate.
Acupuncture involves the placement of hair-thin needles into the skin.
The needles are placed just deep enough into the skin to keep them from falling out. Skilled acupuncturists can insert the needles without pain. They are placed at certain points, called acupoints, along the meridians. Most treatments require needles in only ten or twelve points. Needles usually are kept in place for less than one-half hour.