What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine, believed to improve the flow of energy or "qi" in the body. Thin needles are inserted in the skin and then activated with the practitioner's hands or electrical stimulation. Other forms of pressure may be utilized, including heat (moxibustion), pressure (acupressure) or suction (cupping). Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain but has other applications.