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According to TCM, every
living being is born with a fixed amount of vital
essence (jing). This jing is spent in the body as
one develops and lives. The jing is supported and
expressed by the movement of vital energy (Qi)
throughout the body via a system of channels and
meridians. Qi is replenished by the food one eats
and the air one breathes. These meridians flow on
the surface of the body and also deep within the
body connecting all tissues and organs. Disease
arises when there is an imbalance or disruption of
flow through these meridians (pain, tumor, swelling,
bleeding, vomiting, hernia…) Certain areas of the
meridians flow along the surface of the body,
allowing access to their energy. Thus, an
acupuncturist can tonify or sedate certain points,
altering the flow and quality of Qi (which can in
turn help the body heal, affect pain, etc...).
The acupuncture points along the surface of the
body correspond with the body’s nervous system.
Stimulation of these points send messages to the
brain and to other organs via nerve pathways,
hormones, and humoral factors.
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