Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2000 years. It is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. The term acupuncture describes a medical procedure that involves stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. Some patients feel energized by acupuncture treatments, while others get relieved from their severe body pains.
Acupuncture is based on the Eastern medicine model according to which there are 12 energy meridians located throughout the body. Any disruption in these meridians causes pain and altered structure and function. The acupuncture technique involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.