Acupuncture has been an important component of Oriental Medicine for thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on an energetic model of the human body, and believes that energy, called qi (pronounced “chee”), flows thru the body on a complex inter-connected network of energy pathways called meridians. When the qi becomes blocked, it becomes stagnant causing pain. Disease may result when an organ is not getting enough energy to function properly. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting extremely fine needles into the body at specific points that have been mapped on these energetic pathways. Experience has shown that each point has a specific action in the body to ease pain or to improve the functioning of the vital organs in the body, by facilitating the smooth flow of energy.