Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are based on a 5000 year old practice of balancing the flow of Chi (energy) in the meridian pathways of the body. Pulse and tongue diagnosis help the ND decide on the direction of treatment. Each treatment is designed to create balance and harmony in the mind and body. Treatments may include a combination of the use of ancient Chinese herbal formulas, traditional chinese dietary suggestions and acupuncture. Acupuncture, the insertion of sterile needles at specific points on the body, is highly effective and has been clinically tested in the treatment of chronic pain.