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The modern scientific explanation for acupuncture is that needling the carefully selected acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, each person is viewed as a complete energetic system. Energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), flows along pathways called channels or meridians that cover the entire body, somewhat like nerves and blood vessels do. Naturally, energy flows toward areas where it is deficient and away from areas where there is an excess, thus achieving balance. When this energy flow is disrupted, optimum function is affected, resulting in pain or illness.
Acupuncture is used to facilitate the natural balance of energy. It eases blockages to restore the harmonious flow of energy throughout the body, thus relieving pain or discomfort.