Acupuncture is one of the primary treatment modalities used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a holistic approach that has been practiced literally for centuries and can be used to treat a great variety of conditions. Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles at very specific points on the body -- acupoints. There are hundreds of acupoints ranging from the top of the scalp to the soles of the feet. The points most frequently used are distributed over fourteen particular meridians. The meridians are energetic pathways connected to each other and to the internal organs. There are also many micro systems on different parts of the body, like the ears, hands, face, and scalp, which contain points reflexive of all body parts and functional systems.
The needles used for contemporary acupuncture are typically made of stainless steel. In California only sterile, disposable needles are permitted for use. Because the needles are very fine, the patient usually only feels a slight prick at the point of insertion, if anything at all. However, numbness, tingling, electrical, hot, or cold sensations may also be felt after the insertion. This is usually an indication of energetic movement and is not unusual. Minor nerve damage, bleeding, or bruising may also occur in very rare cases. The direction and depth of needle insertion depends on the anatomic location and the purpose of the treatment.
Strategic acupoints are chosen specifically in consideration of the patient's condition and needled in order to either stimulate or redirect energetic movement to restore balance. The diagnostic method for points selection is sophisticated and complicated but the general goal is to restore normal energy flow and thus restore normal body functions.