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Acupuncture, from the Latin “acus” (needle) and “pungere” (prick), is an ancient, highly complex healing system from China, which involves the insertion of fine needles into the skin at specific points to treat illness and promote health. In traditional East Asian medicine, physical and emotional illness relate to patterns of disharmony (imbalances) in Qi (‘chee’), or vital energy, as well as blood, fluids, phlegm, and food. In a state of health, these substances operate in harmony and balance. Acupuncture moves the Qi that flows throughout the body via non-structural pathways called “meridians.” A treatment uses a coordinated set of acupuncture points to directly balance the Qi, indirectly effecting the status of the blood, fluids, phlegm, and food. Acupuncture points are selected based on a pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with observation (looking) and inquiry (asking), and palpation. Treatment plans are continually updated according to the patient’s changing symptoms, emotions, and sensations.
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