The Oxford Dictionary definition for “pain” is “a strongly unpleasant bodily sensation produced by illness, injury, or other harmful physical contact, etc.” There are many ways to relieve pain, some more effective than other. Acupuncture, an ancient medical practice discovered in China thousands of years ago is recognized by many as a successful pain reliever.

Traditional Chinese Medicine states that there are 14 energy channels (meridians) in the body that connect all body parts into an organic whole, and therefore ensure the proper coordination and unification of the various functions of the body. Each one of the channels has a number of openings to the surface of the body, called “acupoints”. By stimulating specific acupoints with acupuncture, one can effectively increase the flow of Qi (vital energy), promote circulation, remove stagnation, increase the speed of the healing process and restore the harmony of the body.

Some western theories believe acupuncture may trigger the release of endorphins from the pituitary gland, which offers pain relieve. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in the treatment of many painful conditions, such as sciatic pain, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, migraines, tendonitis, various injuries, gastro pain, menstrual pain, cancer pain, etc. It has even been used as an anaesthetic in certain surgical procedures. Acupuncture has now been accepted as a safe, comfortable and harmless method of therapy.