Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a system that has been used for thousands of years in China for treating illness and injury. In recent decades, it has become more widely available in the United States, including at mainstream medical centers, such as the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals Case Medical Center.
Acupuncture is based on the principle that there are energetic pathways, or channels, throughout our bodies, which influence associated internal organs and structures. Energy from these pathways surfaces at various points on the body. These are identified as acupuncture points.
Each acupuncture point serves as an access route to the body's energetic system. Extremely fine-gauge needles are inserted at selected points, stimulating these points and activating the body's natural healing abilities.