The ancient Chinese, who are credited for founding AOM, focused on the functional ability not the physical make up of the body. For this reason they didn’t look at the organs of the body individually, instead the body was viewed as a whole functioning system – based on the principle of Yin/Yang dynamics.

In AOM theory, the primary function of the body is to consume food, air and water and convert it into energy – and efficiently expel the by-products of this refinery process. By understanding the interplay of all of the functioning yin and yang organs, a trained acupuncturist puts together signs and symptoms to ascertain what organs may be involved, and chooses acupuncture points and provides diet and lifestyle advice accordingly.