Acupuncture is a medical treatment developed in ancient China where a trained practitioner inserts very thin needles into specific points on a person's body. These needles are much thinner than the needles used for shots at the doctor's office, more like a thick hair than a syringe.

The practice is based on the idea that energy flows through the body along pathways called meridians, and that inserting needles at precise points can help restore balance and reduce pain or illness. While this explanation differs from modern Western medicine's understanding of how the body works, many people find acupuncture helpful for conditions like chronic pain, headaches, and stress.

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,000 years and remains popular today, both in China and around the world. Modern researchers study how it affects the nervous system and why it seems to work for certain conditions. Many hospitals and medical centers now offer acupuncture alongside other treatments.

When someone receives acupuncture, they typically lie still for 15 to 30 minutes while the needles remain in place. Most people report feeling little or no pain during the treatment.