Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. It is part of traditional Chinese medicine, which explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as chi or qi (chee) believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in the body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves.
Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, but it is increasingly being used for overall wellness, including stress management. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, headaches, migraines, knee pain, menstrual cramps, sports injuries, face pain, and other nerve discomfort. Acupuncture is mainly a supplemental therapy, and other medical treatments may be needed to help relieve health issues.
Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into the body at different locations and depths. It aims to balance the life forces known as Qi that are responsible for different health issues. Acupuncture can help relieve pain and treat a range of other complaints. However, the exact way in which it works is not fully understood. Current research reveals that acupuncture works by activating the pathway between the nervous (nerve) system and endocrine (gland) system. Acupuncture benefits may include pain relief, immune function, nausea management, and more.
According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is used in 103 of 129 countries that reported data. In the United States, data from the National Health Interview Survey showed a 50 percent increase in the number of acupuncture users between 2002 and 2012. In 2012, 6.4 percent of U.S. adults reported they had used acupuncture, and 1.7 percent reported they had used it in the past 12 months.
