Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice involving the stimulation of specific body points, often through the use of thin needles, to influence physical functions.

Overview

Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. It involves stimulating specific points on the body, most often by inserting thin needles through the skin, to cause a change in the physical functions of the body.

Research and Efficacy

Research has shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. It can also relieve pain. While researchers do not fully understand how acupuncture works, it might aid the activity of the body's pain-killing chemicals. It also might affect how the body releases chemicals that regulate blood pressure and flow.