Acupuncture works by manipulating energy known as Qi or Chee. To understand acupuncture and the theory behind it, the first thing to get to grips with is the idea of Qi. What is Qi? There is no complete translation into English, the best we can do is to call it Vital Energy. Qi is what makes us alive and is what links us to all living things on our planet. Qi circulates around our body, it is what is unseen but enables us to take our first breath, it is what makes living things alive. The Qi is said to circulate around channels which are also unseen in our body, I best understand this as energy that accumulates in gaps and spaces. Anything that is not substantial is home to Qi. But Qi also makes the substantial. By inserting needles into gaps and spaces we can direct it the right way. Qi sometimes becomes weak, stuck or over abundant.  All these things will lead to poor health.

When patients asks me how they can experience Qi there are some really simple ideas to get this notion. Do you have a young child or a pet? What happens if you want to lift or move your child or pet? My dog is 17kg, if she wants to move or be lifted it is easy, she goes with it the lift is simple. If she doesn't want to move she directs her energy in such a way it becomes impossible.  How does she do this? She doesn't suddenly become greater than 17kg, she does it without thinking she becomes very centered and rooted. In truth she would make a great martial artist and is practicing something that those who study ancient forms of physical meditation take a life time to learn. She is directing her Qi in such a way that she can stand solid.

If you practice Tai Qi or Qi Gong you will have a good idea of the benefits of moving and directing your own energy.