Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that involves the use of fine needles sometimes along with electrodes in order to provide healing to a person's body. This healing is both physical and Psychological.
The practice of acupuncture is over 5,000 years old. It is based on the theory that a body has an energy force that runs through it. This energy force is known as the Qi which is pronounced "Chee" which is affects a person's health by the way it flows throughout the body. The Qi is supposed to work in harmony with the Yin and the Yang. If the flow of the Qi is interrupted then the yin and the yang are interrupted causing a disruption in a person's body.
Qi energy is said to flow up and down the body via Meridians, similar to the ones that the earth is divided into when represented by way of an area map. There are several points along these Meridians which come to the surface of the skin. These points are then easily accessible by "needling" through the process of acupuncture.
The connection between the above described Meridian points ensures that there is a perfect balance between the Yin, Yang, and the Qi. If the balance of those three is interrupted or destroyed, acupuncture is supposed to be able to help restore that balance.
There are two other variations of acupuncture. One of those is the practice of Moxibuston, which is the application of heat to acupuncture points. This form of acupuncture helps treat diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, paralysis, and some forms of arthritis. Another form of acupuncture is the practice of acupuncture. Simply put, acupressure is the practice of acupuncture without the use of needles. Stimulation of various acupuncture points is done with either fingers or hard metal balls.
Another version of acupuncture is the use of Reflexology. This is the stimulation of the soles of the feet and certain spots of the ankle joints. These help stimulate the healing of various internal organs.
There are many different scientific explanations as to why the use of acupuncture works. These explanations are all variations of the above theory regarding the three energy forces called the Qi, Yin, and Yang. One of the most common explanations of how acupuncture works is outline by the use of the "Motor Gate Theory".
The "Motor Gate Theory" is the idea that the impulse of pain is perceived by the nervous system and that perception sends signals to the body that a person feels. The part of the nervous system that perceives pain is call the "Gate". If the Gate is sent too many signals, it gets overwhelmed and then shuts down. The shutting down of the Gate prevents further signals from getting through. The nerve fibers that make up the Gate are called C-fibers, which are the ones that shut down.
There is more information about the definition of acupuncture and how it is practiced to heal a variety of ailments such as described above. Most of these informative articles are displayed for free on most acupuncture web sites.