Considerable modern research and centuries of clinical practice show that acupuncture has significant ability to improve health and diminish or cure disease. The World Health Organization lists nearly 100 conditions for which acupuncture was considered an appropriate course of therapy even as of 1998. Since then, many more trials have been conducted, showing acupuncture to have significant benefits for osteoarthritis of the knee, fertility, abatement of the side effects of cancer medications, dry mouth, menstrual cramps and far more.
Acupuncture is one aspect of traditional Asian medicine (also commonly known as traditional Chinese medicine). The other aspects of this traditional medicine are herbology, tuina (a form of body work), exercize such as Tai Qi or Qi Gong, and dietary therapy.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific locations. These needles connect to and activate an energy system in the body called qi ( pronounced "chee'). This is an intangible substance that has been likened to our life force. Wherever qi flows freely, there is no pain or disharmony. Where it is blocked or out of balance, pain and disease can evolve and often does. By balancing the energy, acupuncture reinstates the body-mind's natural harmony.
Developed thousands of years ago, its theory and application are preserved in ancient texts called Classics. The most famous of these is the Huangdi Neijing, or The Yellow Emperor's Inner Cannon, likely written about the first century BCE.
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