It is possible to effectively treat acute conditions or symptoms, such as a runny nose or back pain. The aim of Acupuncture, though, is to identify and treat the underlying cause(s) of the problem. This is called the “root” of the problem, and it is said that Acupuncture treats the root, rather than chasing the leaves (the symptoms). Sometimes, while working on the root, it is necessary and beneficial to address some of the leaves simultaneously, but it is inherent in the medicine of acupuncture that the root is never ignored.