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blood. Both qi and blood work together to move (qi) and to nourish (blood) the
body fluids.
 The goal of treatment (acupressure, and acupuncture,) is to stimulate and
unblock the circulation of chi, by activating acupoints on the chi meridians that
pass close to the skin (using finger pressure in acupressure or needles in
acupuncture) in order to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi.

Criticism of TCM theory: TCM theory predates use of the scientific method and

has received various criticisms based on scientific reductionist thinking, since there is no
physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture
points or meridians.

Scientific Theories and Mechanisms of Action:

Many hypotheses have been proposed to address the physiological mechanisms of
action of acupuncture.

Endorphin Theory: Stimulating acupoints with pressure, needles, or heat triggers the
release of endorphins which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain
is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This
causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing. Because acupressure inhibits the
pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been
described as closing the "gates" of the pain-signaling system, preventing painful
sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.

Circulatory Theory: This theory maintains that acupuncture works by constrictions or
dilating blood vessels, possibly through control of vasodilators.

Enhanced immunity: According to this theory, acupuncture raises the white blood
cells count as well as prostaglandin, gamma globulin, & all over antibody levels.

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