Acupuncture was brought to the USA by President Nixon on his visit to china. Acupuncture is a traditional 2500 years old Chinese method of healing. In acupuncture treatment fine needles are inserted in the body. It is believed that there are certain points in human body which are energy channels. The solid needles unlike the hypodermic, hollow needles) are “needled” somewhat varying between 15-90 degrees to the skin. The acupuncture points emit electromagnetic signals to the brain at an above normal rate. This motivates the brain to release various chemicals like endorphins which are pain relievers.

Acupuncture is generally used for relieving the patients from pain. It is thought that acupuncture helps in restoring health by restoring the body’s balance; practitioners of acupressure believe that that energy flows in human body through channels called meridians. There are 8 minor and 12 major meridians. Acupuncture helps in maintaining this balance. However it can’t be used where surgery is required. It is widely accepted for relieving acute or chronic pain and pain in cases of musculoskeletal disorders. It is still unknown how acupuncture works, but it is effective in pain relief. It has also found to be helpful in controlling substance abuse, and relieving vomiting and nausea.

The patients and the practitioner should take the basic precaution of using sterile needles for the therapy. This is the main precaution that is to be taken. Acupuncture is a cost effective, without any side affects, method of treatment which can be combined with other forms of treatment and is very popular nowadays.