What are the traditional beliefs behind acupuncture?

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The traditional Chinese explanation of the effectiveness of acupuncture is based on the Taoist philosophy (see Taoism ), according to which good health depends on a free circulation of chi ( qi ), or life-force energy, throughout all the organs of the body. The chi, in turn, depends upon a balance of the two opposing energies of yin (negative, dark, feminine) and yang (positive, bright, masculine). The meridians are the main channels of flow. When energy flow is impeded at any point, e.g., because of a diseased organ or stress, illness in other organs may result. Piercing the channels at the proper points is believed to correct the imbalances.

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