Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body to stimulate specific points throughout the body, including the back, neck, head, and face. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, including chronic pain, migraines, headaches, and menstrual cramps. However, it can also be used to treat a range of other complaints, such as digestive disorders, urinary and reproductive disorders, emotional disorders, and immune system problems. Acupuncture is also used to promote overall wellness, including stress management.

Acupuncture is believed to work by balancing the flow of energy or life force, known as chi or qi, which is believed to flow through pathways, called 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, muscles, and connective tissue.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe and has few side effects. It can be used alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat a variety of conditions, such as nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, dental pain after surgery, addiction, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and cancer and cancer treatment side effects.

To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help the most, the practitioner may ask about symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle. An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. It is important to talk to a doctor before considering acupuncture, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking any medications.