What is the primary goal of acupuncture in treating syndromes?

The primary goal of acupuncture in treating syndromes is to open the meridians and expel pathogens. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that health is maintained through the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body's meridians. When meridians are blocked or disrupted, it can lead to the accumulation of pathogenic factors, which may manifest as various symptoms and syndromes.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along these meridians to restore the proper flow of Qi, thereby alleviating blockages and allowing the body to expel pathogenic influences, such as excess heat, cold, dampness, or wind. This approach addresses the underlying imbalances that contribute to illness, rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

While other options, like promoting relaxation or improving digestion, may occur as secondary benefits of acupuncture, they do not encapsulate the primary therapeutic intent which is the restoration of balance through the clearance of blockages and the expulsion of pathogens from the body. The treatment is fundamentally about addressing the root of the syndrome through meridian and Qi management.