For more than 5000 years Acupuncturists have treated many diseases or dysfunctions of the body by inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points. 

The needles stimulate these acupuncture points to normalize physiological functions, to modify or prevent the perception of pain and to encourage the body's own healing abilities. The classic theory supporting Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a holistic approach to treat the patient. The life force which circulates throughout the body is made up of qi (energy) and Xue (blood which flow through distinct meridians (pathways) in the body. 

When this life force is balanced and circulating properly, the body is healthy. Energy imbalance in the meridians is thought to cause illness or pain. To correct this imbalance. The acupuncturist inserts and stimulates fine needles at acupuncture points.

Acupuncture was developed in China centuries ago. The Chinese call acupuncture Zhuc Jiao, Which means "needle heat". The needle regulates an inner force called "Qi", which is responsible for the health of the body. The regulation of Qi using acupuncture can restore physical health, give a release from stress, or improve physical or mental health in other ways. 

A very healthy person should have Qi energy flowing freely in several distinct pathways, and these pathways are like the roads for maintenance crews. Freely flowing energy distributes everything the cells need, and take away what waste is produced. This produces not only physical, but also mental, health. If Qi is stopped at some point, there will be some symptoms, often a physical illness. The acupuncturist will determine where the needles should be placed in order to return the flow to normal, or as close to normal as is possible. This might happen in one treatment, or a series of treatments.

Many Chinese acupuncture treatments regularly in order to stay healthy, to keep their Qi flowing at a nearly ideal level. In several places in China, a practitioner of acupuncture gets paid only as long as their clients remain healthy, not when they get sick.

Nearly all acupuncture techniques used needles, though there are varieties that also use electric stimulation burning, and herbs. The needles used are solid needles, not hollow tube needles like Western doctors use. In America, certified practitioners of acupuncture use pre-sterilized disposable needles. There is usually no medicine on needles, for the needle itself acts on the Qi energy to the change in the flow. 

The practitioner may particular angle to insert a needle, or may manipulate the needle a little (such as a small rotation) to get the best results for a particular client.

If you think like the Chinese, you may want to visit your acupuncture clinic regularly to maintain an optimal flow of Qi, and to maintain really good health. A particular health or emotional problem may need only one or two visits or, might require a series up to eight visits or more, depending on the problem. During a visit, the acupuncturist may insert several needles, and as necessarily at the same points from visit to visit. As the condition improves, a different set of locations might be chosen to affect a change in Qi flow to move even more quickly to good health. Sometimes the needles are inserted just underneath the layer of the skin, while at other times, some of the needles may be inserted up to a depth of three inches. Insertion of the needles usually does not hurt at all. Some clients remark on an occasional pinching sensation when a needle is inserted. Once the needle is in place it can easily be forgotten. Sometimes there is a pleasant relaxing or warm sensation around the insertion point which is an indication that the Qi flow is being redirected in the right manner.

Acupuncture is a very good way to correct a number of illnesses, and one of the best ways to maintain health on a regular basis. This introduction gave a brief overview to encourage you to consider acupuncture as a health option. More and more insurance companies are giving coverage for visits to an acupuncture clinic, and this should be explored.