It has been determined that human beings are bioenergetic systems. This understanding has been the foundation of acupuncture practices for several thousand years. When the balance of this energy system is disturbed, pain or illness results. Acupuncture treatment corrects the energetic imbalance by encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) through meridians, or pathways, that cover the body like nerves and blood vessels. Acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient, and flow away from areas where it is in excess. “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.”