Acupuncture helps the body to heal in a natural manner without pain or harmful side effects. It is used to treat illnesses, but it can also improve the overall functioning of the body's organs and systems.

Acupuncture is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine view of the body as a system of organs and tissues that are connected by pathways called meridians. These pathways are channels through which life energy is passed to each of the body's systems.

The body needs this energy in order to keep the organs and tissues properly nourished and functioning. If for any reason the pathways become blocked, the tissues and organs that are not receiving the energy that they need will become painful or dysfunctional.

Acupuncture uses thin needles and often electrical or heat stimulation in order to re-open these pathways. Inserting acupuncture needles into one of the more than 350 acupuncture points on the body helps restore the normal flow of life energy.

Modern science has a different explanation for why acupuncture works. This view of acupuncture is that the insertion of needles stimulates the nervous system.

The nervous system then releases chemicals in the areas of the body that are stimulated as well as in the spinal cord and the brain. The chemicals then lessen the experience of the pain.

Or, the chemicals may stimulate the body to release other chemicals that help the body regulate itself. The result is that the body is more balanced biochemically. This means that the overall function of your body and its systems is improved.

Regardless of the explanation for why it works, acupuncture has been shown to be very helpful for patients in several different ways. Chronic pain, particularly back pain, is the most common reason that people visit an acupuncturist. But other symptoms such as headaches, digestive disorders or other types of chronic pain have been show to respond well to acupuncture treatment as well.

A certified, licensed acupuncture specialist can be a valuable tool in your treatment of any chronic ailment or disorder that you are experiencing. However, it should not be undertaken without consulting your physician first. In fact, your acupuncturist will likely consider himself or herself to be an additional source of help for you, not a sole one.

Also, you should be prepared to undertake acupuncture as a regular form of treatment. It is not something that can be done once or twice and have the effects last. In order to keep the body's energy flowing in a normal, healthy way and to gain the greatest benefit from the procedure, regular consistent visits will likely be necessary.

Be sure that you discuss your condition and your future treatments with your acupuncturist. That way you will be able to understand what will be necessary in order to remain as healthy as possible.