Acupuncture is a healing technique that has been in practice for over 2,000 years. It involves the placement of very fine, sterilized and disposable needles along points in the body. Acupuncture is based on the theory that the body has pathways (called Meridians) that contain energy (called Qi), which stimulates our body's ability to heal. When Qi is flowing properly in the meridians, we have physical and emotional health and balance. When it is not able to flow, we experience pain, fatigue, or a range of possible physical and emotional problems. Based on theories of Chinese medicine, an acupuncturist is able to determine where our Qi is unable to flow and how to help restore health and balance. Acupuncture involves placement of needles in the body that stimulate specific functions in a wide variety of systems, including the musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological and circulatory systems.