From Anne Asher,
Your Guide to Back & Neck Pain.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a nearly 3,000 year old system of medicine. Originating in China, it is based on a complex theory of energy flow in the body.

All techniques in TCM assume that energy that normally flows smoothly through the body gets stuck in certain places when we are not feeling well.

The TCM practitioner evaluates where the energy is stuck. Treatment usually consists of acupuncture, which involves the insertion of sterile needles at key points. The accupuncture points are located along the lines that the energy flows (called meridians). The purpose of accupuncture is to stimulate the energy (called Chi) to flow.

Treatment may also involve taking herbal medicine, in the form of pills or teas, and other techniques.