There is an alternative, and that s the gentle touch.
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used and re spected alternative therapies.
Traditionally it improves health and alleviates pain by stimulating areas, or acupoints , of the body with fine needles. While rarely painful, the use of needles can be distinctly off-putting. But many acupuncturists also practice acupressure - a therapy that massages acupoints with the fingers instead. No needles Caroline Haigh, a professional acupressurist from Pudsey, uses both techniques. But still some people don t like the thought of needles, and prefer the pressure.