Acupuncture dummy. Front view of a male acupuncture dummy showing meridians and acupuncture points. There are twelve main meridians (coloured lines) connected to each other on a continuous circuit around the body. On each meridian are acupuncture points (coloured dots). Acupuncture was developed in China on the theory that 'Qi' (life force) flows along the meridians (channels). Each of the meridians also connects through internal pathways with one of the internal organs. Diseases are considered to be due to interrupted 'Qi' along the meridians. Insertion and twirling of needles at the acupuncture points is believed to restore normal flow.