Differences of opinion have made acupuncture a source of scientific debate. Acupuncture involves the placement of hair-thin needles into the skin. The needles are placed just deep enough into the skin to keep them from falling out. Skilled acupuncturists can insert the needles without pain. They are placed at certain points, called acupoints, along the meridians.
Most treatments require needles in only ten or twelve points.
Needles usually are kept in place for less than one-half hour. Twirling the needles into motion is thought to enhance the result. Today, electro-acupuncture is often 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.