Chinese Medicine's practice is a complete medical system unto itself based on discerning the "pattern of disharmony" within the human body and treating accordingly. Channels called meridians course through the human body. An energy called Chi circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body. Any misdirection or blockage is believed to be the cause of pain, dysfunction or illness. Specific areas along the meridians called acupoints are stimulated in order to restore normal flow of Chi and subsequently, set the stage for the body to start the healing process. Various physiological shifts following acupuncture have been documented such as flow of endorphins, opioids, neurotransmitters and neurohormones