There are pathways in the body which Qi flows. These are called meridians or channels and the needles are inserted along the meridians to influence the Qi that flows to various organs. Needles are also inserted in areas where specific pain is associated such as strained muscles. Another Eastern concept is Yin and Yang. Yin is the feminine qualities of the universe and yan is the masculine qualities of the universe.
Western medicine tends to diagnose and treat as the effect of the disease state it has on the body.
While the practitioner of Eastern medicine diagnosis and acts upon the energy that creates the disease state. With the advancement of scientific discovery and anatomical dissection and microscopic evaluation, Western medicine is based upon a philosophy that all exists in the physical realm as real, that is material. In Eastern medicine terms that equates to Yin while Eastern medicine acts upon the Yang of the body or the Chi energy of the body. Qi and Xue have mutual interdependent functions. Non-material, mental, emotional aspect of consciousness that is stored in the heart.