Acupuncture, a practice derived from traditional Chinese medicine, is used to help manage pain.
Studies suggest that acupuncture may lead to a slight improvement in low-back pain. It may also help relieve knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, reduce the frequency of tension headaches and migraines, and relieve some fibromyalgia symptoms.
Scientists don’t fully understand how acupuncture works in the body to relieve pain. The effect may not be entirely due to the needles. The patient’s expectations and beliefs about acupuncture may play important roles in its effect on pain.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced practitioner using sterile needles.
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