For example, a practitioner of Western medicine would approach a case of a stiff, painful back looking at physical structures ones out of place, unequal leg lengths, pinched nerves, arthritis, etc. The acupuncturist would also examine the structural problems but would consider that these abnormalities may primarily be the result of an imbalance in the electrical fields in and around the body.

Traditional Chinese medicine has its own understanding of physiology (how we function), pathology (how we become ill), and etiology (what can make us unwell). It has its own method of diagnosis too. Chinese understanding of human being sees no separation between body, mind and spirit, they are perceived as a whole. Each organ is believed to have an expression at the physical, emotional and spiritual level. Symptoms are seen as the body-mind trying to get some attention and help. Illness is perceived as a loss of harmony or balance in the body, more or less, which may come from the mental, emotional or physical level (such as Yin and Yang are not balance).

Acupuncture is used to redirect the Qi and restore function. The concept of Qi is very important in the Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi is considered to be the life force, the energy, the power of the body, mind and spirit. Qi circulates in the body through fourteen major pathways, or meridians, each of which has an internal branch to the organs. There are specific points along these meridians where the body's energy can be contacted through the insertion of acupuncture needles. Each point has its own function and effect on the Qi.