Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that is used in combination with western medicine for the treatment of joint pain.
The practice is based on the belief that the body has patterns of energy flow, referred to as qi. When there is an ailment obstructing the normal energy flow, pain will result. By inserting thin needles in specific points, the practitioner aims to re-open the pathways and restore the normal flow of qi.
Though the exact mechanism is not understood, acupuncture is believed to work by stimulating the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. This has the potential to greatly alter an individual’s perception of pain.
