Acupuncture Acupuncture is an age old pain treatment that dates back to Ancient China. "Many theories have been entertained," says Dr. Stemmler, " but none itself can explain the multiple analgesic, anti-flamatory, sedative, and regenerative effects of this treatment (Kanigel 2). Although at times, even acupuncturists remain at a loss to explain how tiny needles inserted in precise points on the body's surface can provide relief from medical disorder. Whatever the case acupuncture is being practiced more and more in the United States. Today between 9,000 and 10,000 acupuncturists practice in the United States. In a recent study,