Acupuncture, is an ancient Chinese method of relieving pain and treating a variety of diseases by inserting needles into specific places on the body. According to Chinese philosophy, acupuncture influences a life force that flows along 12 paired and 2 unpaired meridians, channels of energy that run longitudinally in the body. Specialists called acupuncturists insert needles at points along these meridians or at painful points on the body. Insertion of the needles is said to restore balance between two principal forces of nature called yin and yang. Acupuncturists believe disease and pain occur as a result of imbalance between these two forces. Insertion of the needles produces a pinching feeling. This feeling quickly disappears and may be replaced by occasional tingling or a sense of numbness, heaviness, or soreness while the needles are in place.

Acupuncture is used alone or in combination with Western medicine or Chinese herbal preparations. It is most often used to relieve pain resulting from chronic illness and severe injury. Some common afflictions acupuncturists treat include headaches, sinusitis, chronic respiratory infections, digestive disturbances, and drug dependencies. Since the late 1950's, doctors in China have used acupuncture to relieve pain during major surgery. The patient is conscious and seems to feel little or no pain. Scientists have determined that acupuncture triggers signals in the nervous system to adjust the activities of the body's internal organs and to change the pain signals sent to the brain. Researchers have shown that acupuncture increases the brain's production of natural painkillers called endorphins. These substances are morphinelike chemicals that influence the body's perception of pain. Much of acupuncture's influence, however, is not understood.
Acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia and Europe, and it is gaining popularity and respect in the United States. Its practitioners include many medical doctors.

Joseph M. Helms, M.D., Founding President, American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and President, Helms Medical Institute. -