So many people lead lives filled with constant pain and misery. Each day begins with a new struggle to overcome the pain, sometimes just to climb out of bed in the morning. This pain comes in many forms and can strike anyone - the friendly Girl Scout Troop Leader who is racked with debilitating cramps each month, the elderly woman down the street that grows a beautiful garden each year even though her hands are burdened with arthritis, the butcher who has back pain, or even the actress nauseous from her chemotherapy treatments.

These pains and more come to everyone, regardless of age, race, origin, sex, or creed. But what if there was an alternative to the costly medications goggled down each year as part of pain management and relief? What if the alternative was a treatment that has been around for more than 2000 years? Would it be worth trying out? Many people are saying, “Yes, anything is worth a shot at easing this pain.” What is this ancient secret? Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is the practice of placing long, thin needles into various areas of the skin. The needles are then manipulated by hand, or a small electrical current is used for stimulation. In ancient China, these needles were actually made of stone and were then placed on various points in the body - three hundred and sixty-five points, to be precise, though modern acupuncturists use many more. These points are along what is called a meridian line. There are 12 lines for each of the major organs, one for the spine, and one for the abdomen.

When a person goes to a physician, the doctor monitors blood pressure flowing through the patient’s body. An acupuncturist measures energy or Qi (pronounced chee). The needles are placed into the various positions needed and the energy is manipulated. Modern medical studies show that the needles and stimulation actually affect the nerve endings and even produce biochemicals in response to this stimulation.

The big question that is often asked is: Does acupuncture hurt? That is a tough question to answer. Most patients report virtually no pain from acupuncture or, if there had been some pain, it was in comparison to having a hair plucked out, but this is relative to the individual. There are some patients who did report major discomfort, but it was unknown whether it was an actual physical pain or merely the mental anxiety of being stuck with a multitude of needles.

Are there side effects to acupuncture? As with any procedure, there are some risks of side effects, but are much lower and far less common than any other form of alternative treatment. The risks come from improper sterilization of needles, needles being placed too deep, small bleeds, or dizziness. It is believed that these side effects occur as a result of poorly-trained acupuncturist. It is just as important to research the qualifications of an alternative medicine professional, as it is a medical doctor or dentist.

Acupuncture, a practice that is over two thousand years old, can offer relief from suffering for many individuals in pain and discomfort. Results are often seen after a few sessions of the technique, though it’s true that some individuals notice immediate results. Some people may be skeptical about whether acupuncture will indeed help them in their suffering, but if acupuncture does provide positive relief from pain (and studies show it can), then that is energy and time well spent.