According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy known as qi (CHEE) throughout the body. Qi moves through pathways (meridians) and imbalances result in different symptoms. It is thought that by placing needles along these meridians, normal flow is restored, and a result, symptoms resolve. Acupuncture is not usually painful and may be combined with different modalities to increase its effectiveness. Acupuncture has been found effective in treating everything from pain to infertility to emotional issues.