The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur.

Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts. Chinese Medicine works to "re-program" and restore normal functions by stimulating meridians in order to free up the Chi energy.

Scientists have observed that the acupuncture meridians show a variety of unique bio-electrical and biochemical properties; stimulating them causes definite physiological response in brain activity, hormonal levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and immune system. This is why Chinese Medicine is called a natural healing method; it facilitates the body’s own self-healing process.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, in its long history, has always offered energy enhancement exercises such as Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong (Chi Kung), and Meditation. These are mild exercises which take little time and can be practiced daily as a balancing or preventative health measure. Their goal is to open the meridians and integrate the physical and spiritual aspects of the individual. When the body’s energy is balanced, the body can then begin to heal itself. That is why Chinese Medicine is called a natural healing method; it facilitates the body’s own self-healing process.

Because Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system which has been in operation for several thousands of years, a large number of ailments across all specialties will respond to it.

Some of the aliments that respond to Chinese Medicine are:

* Orthopedic Problems, such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, joint disorders, fibromyalgia, sports and other injuries.

* Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, colitis, Crohn's disease, chronic parasitic infection, gastritis, dysbiosis and ulcer conditions.

* Respiratory and Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders, such as common cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, recurrent respiratory infections, TMJ, tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, laryngitis and sore throat.

* Gynecological, Reproductive, and Urogenital Disorders, such as PMS, painful menstruation, irregular menstruation, endometriosis, chronic cystitis, urethritis, kidney disorder, sexual dysfunctions and infertility.

* Immune Dysfunctions, such as chronic fatigue immunodeficient disorder, environmental and food allergies, lupus, scleroderma, and other autoimmune disorders.

* Neurological Disorders, such as headaches, paralysis, sciatica, numbness, Bell's Palsy, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, tremors, and seizures.

* Cardiovascular Disorders, such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, palpitation, coronary heart disease, varicose veins and vasculitis.

* Neuro-Psychiatric Problems, such as insomnia, anxiety, tension, depression, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and other nervous disorders.

* Dermatological Disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, hives, vitiligo, itching, and other skin diseases.

The article "About Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine" was found at http://www.taoofwellness.com/faqs.htm