Acupuncture is a Chinese system of healing, using needles or hand pressure (acupressure) to balance the yin and yang energies in the body by opening blocked meridians (apexes in the pathways). Once the chakras (key points or intersections) are open, the energy [chi] can then flow through the body bringing all things into harmony. While some limited physical effecs (mostly anesthetic) can be attributed to this practice, these effects have scientific, physiological explanations totally unrelated to Taoist theories. See "Holistic Health." A Profile for Acupuncture is available from:
Holistic Health: (New Age Medicine / Alternative Medicine) A view of health care focusing on the "whole self" (body mind and spirit) and natural or spiritual cures. Some holistic health remedies and assumptions (i.e., a focus on wellness and prevention) are well within the Christian worldview and are scientifically valid. Much within this movement, however, is based on pantheistic concepts, New Age "visualization," and eastern religious beliefs such as Chinese Taoism (Yin and Yang). Most questionable are such holistic practices which have no valid physiological explanation or valid scientific proof such as Applied Kinesiology, reflexology and iridology.