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Acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate pressure points on the body to promote healing, a practice in Asia for thousands of years, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
Theory
Traditional Chinese medicine centers on the idea that the body's energy flow (chi) must remain in balance, explains an article in Medical News Today, and acupuncture is believed to restore energy flow.
Procedure
Extremely thin, disposable, metallic needles go into acupuncture points at varying depths. The Mayo Clinic describes a typical treatment as using five to 20 needles.
Effects
People often feel a full or "aching sensation" as a needle reaches the correct spot in the muscle, the Mayo Clinic says.
Unusual Pain
According to NCCAM, most people feel "no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted," but pain can occur if needles are placed incorrectly, are defective, or if the patient moves. Internal organs could be injured if needles go in too deeply, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Risks
With a "competent, certified practitioner," the risk of injury is low, states the Mayo Clinic.
Source:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture Introduction
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