According to Chine philosophy, the universe is infused with a fundamental force: Qi. Qi can be understood as the Prana of Indians, or the Bioenergy of Westerners. It is a force that sustains life and human activity, both physical and mental.

Qi is in perpetual motion within the human being and throughout the entire universe. It flows through meridians—an invisible and immaterial network upon which acupuncture points are located. Meridians function like energy highways, while acupuncture points are places where one can regulate the flow.

It is the quantity and fluidity of Qi that determines an individual's state of health. Qi that circulates freely allows one to feel well, maintain mental clarity, and possess physical vitality. Conversely, blocked Qi or Qi that struggles to flow produces sensations of heaviness and discomfort.

When Qi becomes blocked within a meridian, the goal is to dissolve this knot or obstruction. This is where acupuncture and massage therapies come into play.