Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of therapy that is widely used in China. It is so mainstream that it is even used during childbirth to numb the patient as well as treat headaches and other things of the sort. What happens is that a needle is inserted into the affected area (usually 1/2 inch to 1inch) and at the tip of the needle are bits of Moxa leaves which is a Chinese wormwood tree. These leaves are said to have the medicinal affects that acupuncture is known for. The needles are twirled, vibrated and even sometimes an electrical pulse will be sent down to stimulate the area. Acupuncture itself is based on the Taoist philosophy which basically deals with the "Yin and Yang". It talks about how acupuncture essentially helps break down the walls that are blocking your "chi" (good energy). Western researchers believe that what actually is happening is that the stimulation releases endorphins which are natural pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture is important because this may the new medicine. It has no side effects and is natural. Many who have received it has talked highly about it saying that it works and things of the nature. Unfortunately, I have not experienced this so I feel that perhaps this is all a placebo effect but we can't tell for sure. There's no real way to tell if it is or isn't the placebo effect. So I can only go test it myself someday.