Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method (traditional Chinese medicine products) used to relieve some health conditions and symptoms, such as pain. Acupuncturists insert very thin steel needles into multiple "points" on the skin. These needles can rebalance your body's energy or chi and prompt your body to release natural chemicals to fight disease or symptoms.

Acupuncture is a treatment that uses very thin steel needles inserted into the skin to stimulate specific points throughout the body, including the back, neck, head and face. The purpose of acupuncture is to relieve health conditions or symptoms, such as pain. This practice comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in some cases. Acupuncture is mainly an adjunct therapy. You may need other treatments to help ease your health problems.

Are there different types of acupuncture?

Acupuncturists who follow traditional Chinese/ancient principles focus only on guiding the flow of qi (pronounced "chee") or energy through your body. Modern acupuncture uses Western medicine to stimulate the body's systems with needles. Many acupuncturists use both methods.

Another acupuncture method treats myofascial pain. This common condition involves muscles and their connective tissue. When muscles are stressed, pulled, or injured, they often form trigger points - tight, painful knots. Trigger points in one muscle can produce pain in different areas of your body (refer to pain).

Acupuncturists can use trigger point therapy to relieve myofascial pain. They use a needle to try to "untangle" the trigger.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional Chinese medicine refers to the energy flowing through the body as qi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the disorder of qi will lead to an imbalance of body energy, which leads to disease.

Some forms of acupuncture aim to balance qi by touching needles at points throughout the body. In your body, there are hundreds of acupuncture points along 14 major meridians, also known as energy delivery channels.

Needles stimulate the body's central nervous system and immune system:

 To respond to illness or symptoms.

 Rebalance your body.

 releases natural chemicals such as endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, as well as neurotransmitters, chemicals that control nerve impulses.