How it works...

According to traditional Chinese medicine, gi (pronounced chee) is a vital energy that flows along paths called meridians in our bodies. People get sick, the theory goes, when their qi is blocked. Acupuncture restores qi flow, though Western medicine doesn't know exactly why it makes you feel better. it may release endorphins, which suppress pain, or stimulate nerves or increase blood flow, encouraging the body to heal. "There are some very identifiable biomedical, physiological things going on," says Martin Herbkersman, a South Carolina-based acupuncturist and vice presidnet of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

What to expect...

Before your acupuncture session, the practitioner should inquire about your personal and family medical history, your lifestyle and any symptoms you have. You might sit up or lie down during the session, which can last from 10 minutes to an hour. The needles can only be used once. How many needles are used and where and how deep they're inserted depends on the patient's needs. Even so, the needles are small, so they feel like a mosquito bite. There are few side effects, and most of the time the needle doesn't draw blood. The number of sessions you need depends on your case - some people feel relief after one session, says Li Hua, a licensed acupuncturist. Sometimes the acupuncturist burns special herbs (called moxibustion) or stimulates the needle with a current (called electrostimulation) for a stronger treatment.

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