Acupuncture originated in China some 3,500 years ago and is one of the oldest and most widely used systems of healing in the world. Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the theory that "Qi" (pronounced "chi"), is a vital force or energy responsible for controlling the mind and body. Qi is believed to flow through the body via channels, or pathways, which are called meridians.