Acupuncture is a technique of ancient Chinese medicine and skill that has been practiced for thousands of years. In recent years, this form of alternative healing has become more popular in mainstream Western society for a variety of purposes. This therapy is based on the theory that the strategic insertion of needles at different points of the body can encourage the body’s natural functions such as those related to healing, detoxification and pain relief. More and more medical professionals and patients in today’s society are turning to this and other types of alternative therapies instead of or in addition to traditional Western medicine.