Acupuncture is an alternative treatment and an element of age-old Chinese medical practices in which fine needles are placed into the skin. The objective is to ease a medical problem or symptom, such as pain.

There are two theories:

• Conventional theory: It aims to heal by releasing the blockage and reestablishing Qi flow.
• Western theory: activating sensory neurons beneath the layer of skin and muscles causes the body to produce natural compounds like pain-relieving endorphins.

Some conditions can benefit from acupuncture:

• Low back pain: It is a complementary medicine that reduces pain.
• Migraine:  it is safe, economical therapy for migraines.
• High blood pressure: It has been used to treat hypertension.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: It is safe and helpful as a supplement to decrease the severity of tender joints.
• In cancer patients: It has been demonstrated to lessen fatigue related to cancer, dry mouth, lymph node swelling, sleep issues.
• Psychological conditions: insomnia, anxiety, and depression may benefit from it.

• Pain at the insertion site.
• Bleeding or bruising.
• Feeling unwell.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Nerve injury.
• Infections from contaminated needles.
• Disease transmission if needles are reused – hepatitis, HIV, etc.