Acupuncture is an ancient healing art practiced by the Chinese for several thousand years. The Chinese believed that all our experiences have opposites, which they call Yin and Yang. The Yin and Yang merge and complement each other, creating a balance. A disease may develop if this balance is disturbed. According to the Chinese theory, Yin and Yang energies flow through channels in our body called meridian lines. Acupuncture involves insertion of tiny needles in any of the thousand or so spots along these meridian lines. Each spot represents a particular function or organ of the human body.
According to a modern theory there are reflex mechanisms in the nerve paths which can shut off pain signals. Acupuncture works by closing these gates. A second theory explains the pain relieving effects of acupuncture on the basis of the production of endorphins. There is evidence to show that acupuncture causes release of these hormones which then travel to the brain and activate a mechanism blocking the pain messages. Although acupuncture has proved helpful in the treatment of several as headaches, insomnia, and rheumatic, respiratory, digestive, sex-related, and heart problems, it is not a cure-all.