Now a fairly common form of holistic treatment in the West, acupuncture is part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. A licensed practitioner inserts very small, thin, sterile needles into one or more acupuncture points to stimulate the flow of energy within the body. This restores proper function to the muscles, nerves, vessels, glands and organs. There is no pain associated with the insertion of the needles because they are so small. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat a wide-range of ailments including pain, skin disorders, high blood pressure, stroke, colds, digestive disorders, addictions, earaches and gynecological problems.