Western health care or allopathic medicine practitioners, who have been studying acupuncture and acupressure for about thirty years, have not been able to explain exactly why they work, but many report benefits. Acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to relieve chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Acupuncture is also being studied as a possible treatment for alcohol and other drug addiction, and to relieve pain in dental surgery. It's possible to get infections, or even hepatitis and HIV, from improperly cleaned needles that are reused. As a result, disposable acupuncture needles are now widely used.
Most states require that acupuncturists be licensed.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can provide you with a list of certified practitioners in your area.