Introduction

Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Fine needles are inserted at certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative purposes.

It is used in many NHS general practices, as well as the majority of pain clinics and hospices in the UK.

Acupuncture is often seen as a form of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM).

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 12 Jan 2017