Acupuncture is the popular traditional Chinese alternative medical technique that is believed to cure almost all kinds of diseases ranging from headaches, back pains, insomnia and allergies, to arthritis, fibromyalgia, infertility and even certain types of cancers. Apart from proving to be a great remedy for various diseases, it also helps curb addictions such as smoking and over-eating, and aids weight loss too.

How acupuncture cures is uncertain and still under study, but the general belief is that acupuncture unblocks blocked paths inside our body, through which energies called chi, flow. It is believed that there are about 14 different pathways called meridians through which energy flows and a block in even one of the pathways leads to some sort of an unrest within the body. When these energy paths are blocked, diseases and disorders are triggered. Acupuncture unblocks the clogged pathways by inserting sterile, stainless steel acupuncture needles at specific points on the body.

Most acupuncture practitioners recommend the use of Chinese herbs after acupuncture treatments as it has been proved to be effective in retaining the effects of the treatment and also in helping the body fight disorders, individually. They come in various forms and may be useful in fighting ailments and acts as a preventive medicine too. Herbs which were a part of the Traditional Chinese Medicines or TCM are still being used today. These herbs come in various forms such as infusion, tinctures or tonics, powders, tablets, syrups, decoction etc.

Infusion is mostly found in the form of liquid drinks such as herbal teas or herbal mixtures of leaves, roots, barks and flowers in hot water, which are steeped in a teapot made of ceramic or glass. By boiling herbs using roots, seeds or barks of plants, a decoction is prepared. It is a simple way of using valuable herbs, but due to the boiling process, many essential oils are lost. When herbs or herbal solutions are added to alcohols, they are termed as tinctures. They are easy for intake, but more difficult to prepare than the other forms of herbs. Herbal syrups are mainly for kids and help stop cold, cough, fever and other mild disorders. Herbs are also available in tablet or powder form.

Herbs are extremely helpful in preventing diseases and providing relief from many ailments, but it must be remembered that they must be taken only if they are prescribed by a certified medical practitioner.