Acupuncture, according to traditional Chinese medicine, a vital force called "Qi"  circulates throughout the body along specific pathways or channels. There are 12 major channels, each of which specifically influences a certain group of functions of the body. These channels are named for the organs that are associated with these functions.  In order for each system to be healthy, the flow of Qi through its associated channel must neither be excessive or deficient. The Qi should flow freely and not be impeded in any part of the body. When one is ill, the flow of Qi in the body is out of balance. When one is well, the Qi flows through the 12 channels harmoniously.  Acupuncture works by stimulating the acu-points which lie on channels, through the insertion of thin, fine needles at various points on the body. Through centuries of observation, the body's reaction to each stimulus point and the combination of such points has been noted for their effectiveness in treating different diseases. In recent years these actions have been systematically refined and verified by modern scientific research methods.

 

Tuina literally translates as push and grasp, but actually is a Chinese therapeutic massage closely related to acupuncture in its use of the meridian system. It is considered to be effective for treating a similar range of health problems, and is regarded alongside herbal remedies, diet, qigong and one of the fundamental arts of  TCM.