In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture was believed to provide healing by restoring balance to the body. In the modern day, there is a more scientific understanding of how it works, and it has been shown to be a valuable tool for those that are suffering from pain.

With acupuncture, the specialist will insert thin needles under the skin. In the practice of acupuncture, there are different points that can be stimulated to provide different responses. Adherents to acupuncture may claim that it can be used to treat a number of conditions, but the best evidence suggests that it is primarily useful as a pain management technique.

When an acupuncturist inserts the needle at the different acupoints, it stimulates a pain response in the area. This causes the body to respond by releasing chemicals that can promote healing and pain relief. As a form of complementary medicine, acupuncture can work well to relieve pain and it can also help to reduce stress and tension.

Generally, acupuncture will provide the best results when it is used in conjunction with other methods for pain management. Acupuncture works well as a complement to things like massage, electrical stimulation therapy, topical treatments, heat and cold therapy and exercise.