Acupuncture is an ancient technique used to alleviate pain, disease and dysfunction and is sometimes used as a form of drug-free anesthesia.

Qi (pronounced chee and also know as Chi) is an invisible, flowing life force that permeates the bodies of all living things. It is found throughout nature. Qi flows through invisible pathways in the body called meridians. When Qi is blocked (or stagnated) in a meridian it can cause illness, pain or other dysfunction. Acupuncturists are trained to locate stagnated Qi and to clear up these blockages with the use of acupuncture needles and other devices.

The use of acupuncture can be traced as far back as the Stone Age, when stone knives and other sharp-edged tools (called bian stones) were created and used to relieve pains and diseases. The use of fire enabled the addition of a technique called moxibustion. The stones were later replaced with "needles" made of bamboo or bone. In the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th to 11th century B.C.) bronze needles were developed and the first metal needles were used in acupuncture.

Today, acupuncturists use metal needles and modern tools such as piezo electric, electrical and laser devices. The last three techniques can be applied without actually piercing the skin with needles. Some acupuncturists also use moxibustion, cupping and herbal remedies.