All living beings possess a subtle energy known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). This energy organizes itself into a complex energy field that carries information and life force to the entire body. Qi moves along specific channels in the body, connecting and affecting specific organs. This flow of energy strongly affects overall health. If the flow of Qi becomes blocked or disrupted then pain or illness can occur. Acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points along these channels to regulate and harmonize the flow of Qi. Health happens when energy is able to flow with ease. In contrast, when there is a lack of ease, there is dis-ease.

From the perspective of Western medicine, acupuncture affects the release of specific hormones and neurotransmitters. For example, acupuncture can influence the release of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances, such as opioid peptides and cannabinoids naturally produced by the body. Acupuncture may also affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps people feel good. Furthermore the National Institute of Health stated that acupuncture may be useful in situations such as “addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma…”

There is also the possibility that acupuncture affects the organization of the complex energy field in the human body, known to other cultures and systems of thought as the Light Body. This Light Body may be the blueprint which tells the physical body how to grow and regulate itself. For example, all cells contain the same genetic code. Yet, cells at the liver know to become liver cells, and other cells in the body know to become lung cells. Also, the way wounds heal and hormones are distributed throughout the body indicates there is a higher level of organizing force affecting the physical body. Given that we only have five senses, it is a major assumption to think that the physical body is the only health factor.