Acupuncturists are alternative health care providers who provide specialized treatment for pain, the improvement of bodily functions, and the promotion of natural healing in the body. Acupuncture is a 5,000 year old traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into the skin at specific points. The needles may be manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system introducing endorphins and other beneficial chemicals into the body to help regulate pain. It is based on the theory that disruptions of energy flow in the body cause illness and pain, and that by stimulating the patient's energy flow, one can restore natural balance and relieve pain.
Besides needling, an acupuncturist may also prescribe herbal medicines, and use acupressure with their clients. Acupressure is the massaging of specific points on the body.