Acupuncture Overview Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin to various depths at strategic points on your body to relieve pain. Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago, but over the past two decades it has gained popularity in the United States. Although scientists don't fully understand how or why acupuncture works, some studies indicate that it may provide a number of medical benefits - from reducing pain to helping with chemotherapy-induced nausea.

In traditional Chinese medicine, health results form a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang) of the life force known as qi or chi. Qi is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in the body. These meridians and the energy flow are accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points. Illness results when there is an imbalance in the energy flow or when the energy is blocked altogether. By inserting needles into these points in various combinations, acupuncture practitioners believe that the energy flow will be rebalanced and reactivated.

The western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience. Many practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

Acupuncture seems to be useful as a stand-alone treatment for some conditions, it also is being used increasingly in conjunction with more conventional western medical treatments. For example, doctors may combine acupuncture and drugs to control pain and nausea after surgery.

Benefits
  • Is safe when performed properly
  • Has few or no side effects
  • Can be useful as a complement to other treatment methods
  • Is becoming more available in conventional medical settings
  • Helps control certain types of pain
  • May be an alternative if you don't respond to or don't want to take pain medications