Acupuncture

A branch of Chinese medicine in which needles are inserted into a patient’s skin as therapy for various disorders or to induce anaesthesia. Traditional Chinese medicine maintains that the chi (life-force) flows through the body along channels called meridians. A blockage in one or more of these meridians is thought to cause ill health. Acupuncturists aim to restore health by inserting needles at appropriate sites along the affected meridians. The needles are stimulated by rotation or by an electric current. Acupuncture has been used successfully as an anaesthetic for surgical procedures and to provide pain relief after operations and for chronic conditions.