They then course through the body to relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation. Fine stuff, but much of the world that uses acupuncture does not worry over finding a scientific explanation. Even the Chinese acknowledge they don't know exactly how it works. It is based on the theory of meridians, or pathways, that run through the body like longitude lines on a globe. Inserting a needle at a specific point along the meridian impedes or enhances certain functions, causing pain to be relieved or pathways blocked, depending on the desired effect.
Legends abound about acupuncture's power.
Before stainless steel became available, flint, bamboo and bronze needles were used to treat ailments and to anesthetize patients during surgery. In 1971, Western doctors were invited to observe an operation in Beijing to remove cysts from a woman's ovaries. Needles were placed in her wrists and she remained awake for the entire procedure, without any sign of pain. In many ways, an acupuncturist proceeds much like a Western doctor. During the initial visit, he will conduct a brief examination.