According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by influencing the flow of vital energy throughout the body. This vital energy is called Qi, and it flows throughout the body along specific pathways or channels called meridians. Qi is responsible for maintaining health and vitality throughout the body by irrigating and nourishing tissues. Obstructions or imbalances in the flow of this energy cause illness, disease and discomforting symptoms.

In the traditional view of acupuncture, the application of needles unblocks or restores the flow of energy along its pathways. Acupuncture does not heal, but the restored flow of Qi enables the body to heal itself.

Modern science has a slightly different explanation for why acupuncture works. Scientists maintain that needles inserted into acupuncture points trigger the release of chemicals in the body by stimulating the nervous system. These chemicals in turn stimulate more chemical reactions, as well as the release of hormones. These chemicals and hormones are what result in symptom relief and healing, rather than a restored flow of Qi.

Regardless of what you believe about Qi or how acupuncture works, you can experience the benefits of treatment. It isn't necessary to "believe in" acupuncture in order to experience pain relief, healing and improved health. An experienced, qualified acupuncture specialist and some time to devote to sessions are all it takes to start experiencing the benefits of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and health issues. It is particularly suitable for stress related disorders and for pain management. Acupuncture can treat symptoms and physical ailments that relate directly to almost all of the body's organs and systems.

You could seek acupuncture treatment for depression, digestive problems, or muscular disorders. Everything from sinusitis to urinary tract infections can be treated with acupuncture. It is even used to help treat reproductive disorders.

There are so many instances where acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment, it is almost impossible to list them all. A short list of some common ailments treated with acupuncture includes:

- lower back pain
- neck pain
- sciatica
- sprains
- headache
- stroke
- hypertension
- allergies/hay fever
- peptic ulcers
- gastritis
- depression
- postoperative pain
- dental pain

Acupuncture is used to prevent and treat as many different types of health disorders, condition and disease you can name, but it can also be used as a way to promote and maintain good health.

It can be very difficult for people to reconcile the health benefits of acupuncture with their fear of needles. People associate needles with pain, and they assume acupuncture feels similar to being vaccinated or having blood drawn.

In fact, the needles used in acupuncture are entirely different from the hollow needles used for inoculations and to draw blood. Needles used for injections have sharp, cutting points, and they are larger than acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, have a smooth point, and they are solid. In nearly all cases, people do not find the insertion of acupuncture needles painful or even uncomfortable, and acupuncture needles are much less likely to cause bruising than hypodermic needles.

Far from being a painful or uncomfortable experience, people commonly report acupuncture feels pleasant. People leave acupuncture treatments feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Not only people, but animals, too seem to enjoy the acupuncture experience. Dogs and cats that have been administered acupuncture for pain management and other conditions find it so pleasurable, they are usually very fond of their practitioner and eager for treatments to get underway. This is true even of pets that normally loathe veterinarian visits made to the same facility.

If it sounds like acupuncture could be a good alterative or complimentary treatment for a health condition you have, or you'd like to use it to help you maintain your good health, the first step is talking with your present doctor.

Your doctor may be able to refer you to a quality acupuncture practitioner in your area. He or she can also provide you with full information about your current health condition, so you can share this important information with the acupuncture specialist you will see.

It is important to communicate about medical care you receive with both your regular doctor and the acupuncture practitioner. This is the best way to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated and safe health care.