Acupuncture is one of the best-known alternative health care systems, and at our clinic we use it for many of our patients. It was developed in ancient China and is based upon the concept of a natural vital force that flows through the body called chi (or qi). Needles are inserted into specific points to relieve pain and balance the flow of energy throughout the body.  Although many people know about acupuncture in a general sense, they often do not grasp how and why it works.