Twirling the needles into motion is thought to enhance the result. Today, electro-acupuncture is commonly used. A supply of weak electric power is attached to needles after they are placed in the skin. The tiny amount of electric power takes the place of twirling the needles by hand. Other modern variations use heat, laser beams, sound waves, electricity, and other non-needle means of stimulating acupuncture points.
Acupressure is another non-needle way to stimulate acupressure points.
Here, acupuncture points are pressed with the fingers. For example, pressing the middle of the inside wrist about an inch above the crease with the fingers of your other hand can reduce nausea. Self-help acupressure can be done with a guidebook that shows the acupoints and how to press them, and explains which acupoints to press for various symptoms or problems. Check the many books about acupressure in your library or bookstore to find one that includes well-illustrated guidelines. Western scientists thought initially that acupuncture worked by stimulating endorphins, a morphine-like chemical released naturally by the body in response to pain.