The ancient Chinese physicians discovered that the body's vital energies  flowed in distinct pathways called meridians or channels, and that:

• The purpose of these channels were to  nourish, regulate and protect the body's organs, blood vessels, tissues, fluids, muscles, tendons, and bones.
• Points along the meridians had different therapeutic effects;
• Activation of these points could achieve a desired result;
• The unimpeded, free flowing of the chi was the key to good health because when the chi was blocked, disease was sure to follow.

The cause of disease was therefore understood to be due to a blockage in the circulation of the chi.  The blocked chi creates an imbalance in the body which prevents it from nourishing, regulating and protecting its internal environment.  The purpose of the acupuncture treatment is to remove the obstruction that blocks the chi so that the body can restore itself to its natural state of health.

These insights led the ancient physicians to seek out and use the energetic, healing properties found in medicinal plants, food exercise and breathing mediations.  Armed with this wide range of safe natural, energy based protocols, they could now successfully treat the disorders that plagued their citizens.