THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. REJUVENATION The condition of the skin and structures beneath it depend on health. People could retain youthful appearance and vigor much longer if their bodies, including all their vital organs, had correct balance of Yin-Yang energy. Yin energy may be compared with negatively-charged electricity and Yang with positively-charged electricity. Acupuncture theory is based on the body energy system with the acupuncture meridians as the main pathways of energy circulation in the body. In the sense that the nervous system can be compared with a telephone network with wires (nerve fibers) for communication, the energy system can be compared with a radio network which does not need wires for communication. In this analogy, the acupuncture points are broadcasting stations which send messages to adjust the Yin-Yang energy balance in various parts of the body for optimal health. American doctors use this concept whenever they do an electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram. Imbalances of Yin-Yang energy in various parts of the body may be caused by malnutrition, injury, bacterial invasion, drugs, air and water pollution, lack of exercise and other factors. Nutritional therapy should be used along with acupuncture. Antibiotics should be given if necessary to treat infections, but all tranquilizers and other chemicals which damage the brain and other body organs should be avoided. Acupuncture treatments for achieving and maintaining the correct Yin-Yang energy balance in all parts of the body can restore body function and eliminate the unnecessary outward signs of aging, such as wrinkled skin and sagging muscles. Considerable improvement in appearance and vitality is usually evident by the time six acupuncture treatments have been given. People who keep their Yin-Yang energy in proper balance may look and feel as much as 20 years younger than other people their age. next