at a glance

UNDERSTANDINGEQUINE ACUPUNCTURE
physiological processes. For example, when the body is
injured, the brain sends signals to the pituitary gland to
secrete substances into the
blood stream. These substances
will attract certain cell
types and mediators to the
injured area to aid healing.
Acupuncture enhances this
signal.
According to the concept of
Traditional Chinese Medicine,
each animal is born with a
fixed amount of energy called
Qi (pronounced chee). The
animal uses energy to live and
replenishes this energy with
AT A GLANCE
• Acupuncture addresses the
whole animal as an energetic
being.
• Each individual is thought to be
born with a fixed amount of
energy called Qi.
• When disease is present, the
body’s internal energy, or Qi,
becomes imbalanced.
• Acupuncture stimulates certain
reflex points that allow the body
to become rebalanced.
food, water, and air. Blood vessels are used to distribute nutrients.
The source of Qi is either inherited or environmental.
In ancient Chinese philosophy Qi is the energy that
creates and nourishes life and leaves the body at the time of
death. It is not a substance, but an idea or principle of the
smooth interaction of rhythmic patterns within the body. It
is not something one can see or touch. Qi passes along a
network of meridians or channels in the body similar to an
electric current. The network of meridians connects the internal
organs to the exterior of the body. Therefore, Qi
maintains balance in bodily functions. When disease is
present, the energy becomes imbalanced. This disruption
of the electrical system short-circuits the body and leads to
malfunction.
Acupuncture stimulates certain reflex points to allow
the body to balance the energy and heal the disease.
Acupuncture points are located along the meridians and
serve as booster points, stations, or regulators of energy
flow. The points can be near the site of disease or far away
from it.The use of needles balances the energy by mediat-
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