What is acupuncture?

Dear Patient: Acupuncture is a powerful method of healing developed in China at least 2,000 years ago. Established as one of the most important components of Chinese medicine, it promotes natural healing and improved physical and emotional well-being. Today, acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves inserting very fine metallic needles into precise acupuncture points that are manipulated by the hands or electrical stimulation.