Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In addition, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue, boosting your body's natural painkillers.
