Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, solid needles at certain points on the body to change the flow of energy in the body and bring it into balance. This brings about healing.    Acupuncture is one of the oldest types of healing in the world. Records of acupuncture date back to almost 5000 years ago. Ancient Chinese texts such as the Nei Ching (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) were written as long ago as 2000 years. They are still in use today.    Acupuncture is both an art and a science which is based upon the laws of nature. Its main premise is that health is maintained by a balanced flow of energy throughout the body. If the energy becomes unbalanced or blocked, illness results in the body, mind and spirit. Energy can be brought back into balance through the use of acupuncture, moxabustion, massage and herbs.    Nature is helped by Chinese Medicine to bring the vital energy into its natural flow. Thus health in body, mind and spirit returns and is maintained. The practitioner looks at the whole person rather than just the unhealthy condition (illness or injury) for which the patient seeks treatment. Symptoms are not the primary imbalance - but rather they are the distress signals sent out when the patient can no longer cope with the energy imbalances. Acupuncture addresses the underlying pattern of imbalance and disharmony, and in so doing, the symptoms resolve themselves. As balance begins to be restored, and the condition improves, the patient usually experiences an overall improvement in thequality of life.