Acupuncture originated in China over five thousand years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. By stimulating certain points on the body acupuncture helps correct and re balance the flow of energy and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health.
Acupuncture needles are very thin-about the thickness of a human hair. Unlike the hypodermic types, acupuncture needles are solid and flexible, and nothing is injected through them. Employing centuries-old techniques, the practitioner will needle the patient; typically, the patient will realize little or no appreciable pain.