Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to naturally heal itself and improve functioning.
During an acupuncture treatment, very fine single-use, disposable needles are inserted into various points on the body. Sometimes heat or mild electrical stimulation is applied to the site of the needle insertion. The classical Chinese explanation is that there are channels of energy running through the body and over its surface in regular patterns. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction to the movement in these meridians dams up the energy on one side while cutting off the supply downstream.