Many people exercise regularly to maintain fitness, while others suddenly get into the mental mode of sudden weight loss,  or fits of exercising after being inspired by someone,or  a television program. Some opt for the gym while others find the nearest yoga class.

Having practiced yoga asanas for many years, it flashed to me, how these ancient practices that have been derived by the rishis have so much physics and physiology hidden in them.

Acupuncture, is a system of treatment which has a very unique outlook of the body physiology and functioning. This system of medicine though widely popular in the eastern parts of Asia is yet to gain its popularity in India.

While the ancient Indian system of medicine is based on “nadis”, the acupuncture system is based on “meridians” both of which refer to flow of energy in specific channels which regulate the functioning of specific organs.

There are a total of 12 paired meridians mirrored on each side of the body which have been mapped by the ancient Chinese for the major organs of the body. There is also a deeper understanding of the flow of energy in the meridians which are defined as “YIN”, an upward flow of energy and “YANG”, a downward flow of energy in the body. (with some exceptions)

The 12 meridians include six “yin” ( representing  the solid organs) and six  “yang” (representing hollow organs). By convention, one yin and one yang organ is paired together.

These energy channels, contrary to common understanding do not correspond to the nervous network of the human body, but one could consider them to be similar to the flow of   current in an electrical circuitry. The current flow in the circuit for example within a building, has proper circuit  plan, its needs to be standardized and uniform at all times for proper working of all the electrical equipment.

Similarly a proper, uniform flow of energy which the Indian system calls the “Prana” and Chinese refer as “Qi” is essential for proper functioning of the various organs.

The principle of acupuncture treatment  is  to assess the degree of flow of energy in the meridians . After this assessment, the flow of energy in these meridians is regulated  by using fine needles to recreate the balance of energy in the meridian and thus indirectly restoring the normal functioning the organs.