Acupuncture is a form of treatment that originated in Chinese medicine but that proven useful for treating a variety of medical problems, including but not limited to the following:

• Asthma
• Digestive disorders
• Pain in the back, knee and neck and pain caused by arthritis or headaches
• Pregnancy-related issues such as gestational diabetes, morning sickness and premature cervical ripening
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management

Acupuncture is a tool used by integrative medicine, which consists of a combination of Western medicine and Chinese medicine. Integrative medicine is holistic, and it blends modern science with time-tested techniques. Although scientists do not understand why it works, research has demonstrated that acupuncture is safe and effective.

Acupuncture treatment consists of inserting 8-12 solid stainless-steel needles through the skin. The needles are about the width of a human hair, so their insertion does not hurt. Insertion points are determined by the nature of the problem being treated, but most are inserted in the head, arms and legs.

In Utah, acupuncturists have to pass a licensing test by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Medical practitioners who use acupuncture view it as a complementary option, and they often use it in conjunction with other treatments.