Evidence suggests that it was practiced as long as 2,000 years ago, although supporters of it often claim that it has been used for over 5,000 years. It has been intertwined with spiritual and religious practices throughout Chinese history. Acupuncture has a close association with Taoism, taoists being pioneers of the belief in body-mind-spirit consciousness. Early accounts of acupuncture written by missionaries describe acupuncture as being quite different to what we're led to believe. The needles were large, inserted deeply, and used in short duration; '30 respirations' being quoted by missionary Wilhelm Ten Rhijn in 1680. Nor is there any mention of Qi, meridians, or specific acupuncture points. These concepts were actually introduced in the 20th century, notably by Georges Soulié de Morant in his 1939 book L’Acupuncture Chinoise. Before the 20th century, needles were simply inserted at the site of the pain or problem. Ancient Chinese Acupuncture practitioners postulated a system of energy circulation that is relevant to understanding of the blood circulation and the nervous system. The practitioners believe that there is a vital life energy that flows through the series of pathways or meridians in the body. Twelve of this meridians are located on each side of the body. They course through deep tissues of the body and are surfacing occasionally. The surface touch by meridians are considered as useful treatment areas for diseases. Imbalances in the energy flow are thought to be the cause of this diseases. Energy flow could increase by inserting a needle into a certain point. The use of the needles can also breakdown blocks of dams in energy flow or drain away excessive pressure. The meridians were also variously related to the organs of the human body namely; the heart, the lungs, the colon, the gallbladder,the liver, and the other organs. By taking the pulse associated with the meridian at the wrist, practitioners can be able to read the flow of energy in each of the meridian. The Acupuncture method is aimed in restoring normal energy flow making a perfect equilibrium that will exist through out the body.