Acupuncture involves the virtually painless insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your 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. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

By combining this ancient wisdom with modern techniques, acupuncture practitioners help patients to achieve an increased state of health. Acupuncture can treat a variety of disorders, such as:

- Chronic pain (headaches, joint pain, back pain, etc.)

- Respiratory conditions (asthma, allergies, etc.)

- Cardiovascular conditions (high blood pressure, etc.)

- Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, constipation, etc.)

- Reproductive disorders (PMS, infertility, menopausal symptoms, etc.)

- Skin conditions (eczema, hives, etc.)

- Psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)

…And much more.

Acupuncture has few side effects, so it may be worth a try if you're having trouble controlling pain with more-conventional methods.

Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. He or she may also closely examine:

- The parts of your body that are painful.

- The shape, coating and color of your tongue.

- The color of your face.

- The strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist.

An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter.

During the procedure

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

People respond differently to acupuncture, but most people report a mild electric, aching, or tingling feeling around the needle insertion, which subsides after a few moments. Some people do not feel the needle insertion at all, because the needles are so thin.

Initial Insertion

The needles are very thin, so most people don't feel a significant pain when they are inserted. Some might experience a slight pinch or prick, but it's usually mild and short-lived.

Sensation During Treatment

Once the needles are in place, many people report feeling a tingling, heavy, or warm sensation. These sensations are often described as relaxing and may indicate that the acupuncture is working.

No Pain

Experienced practitioners are trained to insert needles accurately, so pain should be minimal or absent. If you feel significant pain, it's important to inform the practitioner immediately.

After-Effects

After the needles are removed, some people may feel relaxed, energized, or sleepy. They may also report a sense of well-being and reduced stress or anxiety.

 To prepare for an acupuncture session, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and have a light meal or snack before your appointment. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol in the hours leading up to your session. Consider relaxing with a walk, warm bath, or breathing exercises to calm your mind.

Be present in the moment, and avoid scheduling other appointments immediately before or after your session that might create urgency or stress for you.

Before having acupuncture treatment, be sure to tell the practitioner if you:

- Have a pacemaker. Acupuncture that involves applying mild electrical pulses to the needles may potentially interfere with a pacemaker's operation.

- Are pregnant. Some acupuncture points are thought to stimulate labor, which could result in a premature delivery.

Most people feel a difference after a single treatment, but several treatments may be needed in order to achieve optimal results.

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments. An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter.

Your doctor will help you determine a recommended frequency for your acupuncture sessions.

After the procedure, some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.

The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions.

Acupuncture has few side effects, so it may be worth a try if you're having trouble controlling pain with more-conventional methods.