Acupuncture is
a traditional form of Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for
hundreds of years. It involves puncturing the skin with very fine needles
at strategic points on the body for a desired effect.
There are three
assumptions on which acupuncture is based. The first is called Yin-Yang
relativism. The idea of Yin-Yang relativism—in short—is that nothing
exists by it’s self, that there is always a pair and there is a functional
relationship between whatever pair you happen to be talking about. Yin
is characterized as cool, dark, and quite; whereas Yang is characterized
as active, hot and excited.
The second of the
three assumptions in acupuncture is called Meridian theory. Meridians
are abstract channels joining the acupuncture points. Organs are believed
to be connected to surface meridians through internal pathways. Each
meridian has Yin and Yang properties and functions assigned to it. Vital
energy—called Chi—is circulated through the 14 major meridians in complementary
pairs. When circulation of Chi is interrupted the person becomes unhealthy
and exhibits symptoms of disease. Acupuncture at appropriate sites is
supposed to restore the circulation of Chi and reduce symptoms of the
disease.
The third assumption
is that five elements—wood, water, fire, earth, and metal—represent
the whole of nature and humanity. Each meridian is assigned to one of
the five elements, each having it’s own attributes and remedies.
The acupuncturist
decides on what acupuncture points to use based on an interpretation
of the patients condition and the theories presented above.