The Chinese healing art of acupuncture is one that can be dated back at least two
thousand years. Some authorities maintain that acupuncture has been practiced in
China for even four thousand years. Though its exact age is vague, what is certain
is that up until the recent twentieth century, much of the population of the world
was uninformed about acupuncture, its origins, and its capacity to promote and maintain
good health.
As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had an energy force
running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi (roughly pronounced Chee).
The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional,
mental and the physical aspects of life. A person's health is influenced by the
flow of Qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin and Yang
. (I will discuss Yin and Yang a little later). If the flow of Qi is insufficient,
unbalanced or interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur.
Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. When pathways become obstructed,
deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out
of balance. This causes illness. Acupuncture can restore the balance.
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