TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and Acupuncture:

Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that has employed and developed for over 2000 years to diagnose, treat, prevent illness.

The fundamental principal of Chinese Medicine is that the human body is consider as a whole system.  The balance of the system is the foundation of the health, and thus the imbalance of it will result in illness. The purpose of TCM is to rebalance the system to return you to health.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese Medicine.

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that gets backed up. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

 The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture points exist along the meridians in which the body's energy is more easily contacted.  The meridians, energy channels, can by influenced by needling these acupuncture points.  Acupuncture needles can unblock obstructions and balance the flow through the meridians, mobilizing Qi, blood, moisture to encourage proper function of the organs, blood vessels, muscles, and glands. 

Usually, the doctor will make a diagnosis based upon Chinese Medicine. The doctor will take a history of your illness and conduct examination which may include an assessment of your tongue and pulse. Once the doctor has made a diagnosis, she will choose appropriate acupoint  for your treatment.