According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are located on meridians through which Chi, or vital energy runs. The stimulation of these points causes the Chi to rise and flow and healing to take place.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine adopt a holistic approach to understanding disease processes, rather than just treating signs and symptoms. They focus as much on the prevention of illness as on treatment. Therefore, practitioners pay attention not only to patients’ presenting symptoms, but to other indicators of general health, such as lifestyle. Acupuncturists prescribe diet and lifestyle advice that is most suitable for an individual patient’s health problem. As the patient’s condition changes and improves, the protocol is adjusted until the desired health outcome is achieved.