Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine
in which fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body
for therapeutic or preventative purposes.
It is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative
medicine (CAM), although it is used in many NHS general
practices, as well as the majority of pain clinics and hospices
in the UK. According to the NHS it is based on scientific
evidence that shows the treatment can stimulate nerves under the
skin and in muscle tissue.