The premise of the practice is that it works on meridians and vessels within the body which carry Qi (sounds like Chee). In Chinese, the character for Qi is comprised of fire on the bottom, and nothingness above. Aside from Qi, acupuncture also works at dispelling heat, external pathogens, stimulating blood flow, removing damp heat, phlegm, and other pathogenic factors as described from the perspective and philosophy of Chinese Medicine.