​Acupuncture is a healing technique it has been studied
 and utilized for more than 2,500 years. Using ancient 
scientific principles, acupuncture treats illness by bringing
 a person’s body into harmony and balance. Acupuncture 
therapy is aimed at naturally promoting health and
alleviating sickness by restoring the energetic balance of
 the body. It is a holistic way of stimulating the innate 
​biological intelligence of the body by creating balance in the flow of Qi (energy, pronounced Chee).This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. Acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess. This is achieved through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points, known as acupuncture points that are mainly found at specified locations along the meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, there are 12 "regular" and 8 "extraordinary" meridians running vertically along the length of the human body. There are also a number of less customary channels branching off from the "regular" meridians. Acupuncture points are places along the meridians near the body's surface where Qi can be manipulated by the insertion of acupuncture needles. There also are a number of acupuncture points with specified locations outside of the meridians; these are called "extraordinary" points and often credited with special therapeutic properties. Acupuncture therapy stimulates Qi flowing in the meridian and harmonizes the body's energy to influence the health of the body. In the few decades since its introduction to the west, acupuncture has become one of the most proven and well-known forms of "alternative" medicine. It has been used in many parts of the world for thousands of years and has helped a countless number of people. Many clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions to treat a wide variety of illnesses.  It is one of the most proven and well-known forms of alternative therapies. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) recognize that acupuncture is safe and effective for treating a wide range of health concerns. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless-steel, flexible, sterilized and as fine as a human hair. Once needles have been used they are disposed of to prevent cross contamination.