Alternative

Acupuncture dates back thousands of years in China and other Asian nations, but it's only more recently gained ground as an established medical practice in other parts of the world. Trained practitioners use small, thin needles to manipulate the body's natural energy flow, or qi (also chi, pronounced "chee"). By inserting these needles into more than 400 specific points on the body, the acupuncturist can redirect qi to cure or prevent certain medical conditions. If you'd prefer your qi balanced without the needles, try acupressure, which relies on massage or pressure instead of penetration [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine].

Today, more than 3 million people in the U.S. use acupuncture, and many well-known medical organizations recognize this practice to treat some conditions. The World Health Organization supports the use of acupuncture for treating more than 28 medical conditions, including pain, respiratory and digestive disorders. Mayo Clinic also recommends acupuncture for patients suffering from fibromyalgia, nausea, back pain or headaches [source: Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine].

Most acupuncture proponents recommend balancing acupuncture and traditional Western medicine to enjoy the most complete medical care possible. It's also important to recognize the limitations of acupuncture, and to understand that not all conditions can be treated successfully with this type of alternative medicine.

...