Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practiced for centuries. The practice is based on energy, called chi that flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians. Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something blocks or imbalances your chi. Through acupuncture an acupuncturist can unblock or influence chi and help it flow back into balance.
During an acupuncture treatment an acupuncturist applies very thin needles into your skin at certain points in your body. This is done to influence the energy flow or chi around your body. Sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.