(HealthDayNews) -- Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most frequently used medical procedures in the world.
Begun in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture made news in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. That's why it's important to get treatment from a qualified practitioner.
The World Health Organization suggests acupuncture might relieve symptoms of conditions including sinusitis, bronchitis, toothache, gingivitis, low-back pain, hiccups and migraine.
