Acupuncture is part of over 2,000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on the insertion of ultra fine needles into specific points around your body to release energy or 'qi' blockages. According to TCM, our health is dependant on the body's energy flow, known as Qi, moving in a smooth and balanced way along a series of meridians or channels to nourish the tissues in the body. Each meridian corresponds to an organ that controls specific bodily functions, and a free-flowing Qi is necessary for the balance of yin and yang. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by many factors, such as physical, mental and emotional anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections and trauma. Imbalance or blockage of Qi can be described as a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts in others, causing disease or pain. Needling specific acupuncture points in acupuncture treatments helps unblock these obstructions and re-establish regular flow along the acupuncture meridians. It corrects imbalances in the digestion, absorption, energy production activities, and energy circulation through the meridians.