Acupuncture is the oldest, most commonly practiced medical procedure in the world. The focus of the acupuncturist is to see the whole person; the symptoms are a part of the whole picture. This method of healing is based on natural laws describing the movement of energy in nature and the body. This energy, called Qi, flows throught the body in channels or pathways similar to rivers moving along the earth. Health is a natural state of the body, and illness arises when Qi is blocked. Stress can upset and disturb the natural movement of Qi. Therefore, practices such as yoga, meditation, Tai Chi, and Chi Kung are all focused on addressing the body, mind and spirit.