Acupuncture is a traditional medical treatment that originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to help restore balance, reduce pain, and promote healing.
In traditional practice, acupuncture is based on the idea that energy (called Qi, pronounced “chee”) flows through pathways in the body called meridians. When this flow is disrupted, pain or illness may occur. Stimulating acupuncture points is believed to help restore proper flow and support the body’s natural healing processes.
Modern research suggests acupuncture works by:
- Stimulating nerves and muscles
- Increasing blood flow
- Releasing endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals)
- Calming the nervous system
It’s commonly used for:
- Neck and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Stress and anxiety
- Joint pain
- Muscle tension