The use of acupuncture dates back thousands of years and originated in Oriental medicine. It has become more and more popular in the West over the past few decades as well. Qi (or life energy), which is pronounced "chee," is the general idea behind acupuncture and its closely related practice, acupressure.

The energy system consists of meridians, which are well-defined pathways with numerous acupuncture points (also known as an acupoint) that have an impact on different organs, regions, or body systems, hence it can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.. The body contains hundreds or even thousands of points, and recent CT scans have even revealed micro-vessel cluster points that coincide with these body locations. The fundamental idea behind acupuncture is that imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy can be resolved by stimulating the acupuncture points. An acupuncturist can use a needle, pressure, or other form of stimulation. This will balance and regulate the qi's flow, restore health, and foster wellbeing.

The human body has over 300 recognized acupoints, each with specific therapeutic benefits and uses. Based on each patient's unique symptoms, constitution, and treatment objective, acupuncturists thoughtfully select which points to use for treatment. Along with acupuncture, acupoints can also be stimulated through techniques such as acupressure, moxibustion, and electro-acupuncture.