Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture is a practice in which thin, sterile metal needles are inserted into specific points on the body—known as acupoints—to unblock energy channels and restore health.
TCM views the human body as a network of pathways called meridians through which vital life energy (qi, pronounced "chee") flows. Practitioners believe that pain or illness occurs when qi becomes blocked, stagnant, or unbalanced between Yin and Yang. There are more than 2,000 defined acupuncture points on the human body linked to these meridians. Stimulating them is believed to rebalance energy flow.
A session typically involves inserting 5 to 20 hair-thin needles that remain in place for 10 to 30 minutes. Needles may be gently manipulated by hand, heated (moxibustion), or connected to a low-voltage electrical current (electroacupuncture).