Acupuncture is a treatment method based on the insertion of special needles into certain areas of the skin (acupuncture points). Acupuncture works by irritating a very small area of skin with steel, silver or gold needles.

It is an ancient Chinese system of treatment aimed at preventing and treating certain diseases and conditions by piercing the skin with thin metal needles into acupuncture points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture promotes the release of endorphins – natural painkillers – which can also increase well-being. Acupressure, in which the same acupuncture points are manually stimulated, can also be effective, but to a lesser extent. The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it useful as a means of controlling a variety of painful conditions. However, several studies indicate that some types of simulated acupuncture work as well as real acupuncture. Acupuncture has few side effects, so it may be worth a try if you are having trouble controlling pain with more traditional methods.