Chinese explain acupuncture as Qi or energy traveling through channels in the body surfaces. These channels called meridians are like rivers that run through the body and nourish the tissue. Any obstruction of movement of this energy is like a dam which backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts the flow in other parts. Meridians can be influenced by acupuncture needling, unblocking the obstruction of the dams within the meridian circulation releasing the regular flow of Qi, blood and fluid, moisture through these meridians. Acupuncture treatments can be helpful for internal organs, connective tissue and promoting digestion absorption and energy production.
Modern science explains the function of acupuncture in the following ways.
Needling of acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release neuroproteins and neuroinformation packets in the muscles, spinal cord and brain particularly the release of endorphin, enkephalins and dynorphins have been identified in the mid-brain. They trigger the release of the body's own internal influences on regulating and harmonizing health. Chinese medicine describes yin as negative and yang as positive. The principle of Chinese medicine is balance and harmony between yin and yang. Yin and yang balance is the healthy state of the body, mind and spirit.