Acupuncture works by stimulating or repressing the autonomic nervous system in various ways. There is evidence that stimulation of the skin can affect internal organs by means of nerve reflex pathways. One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals called endorphins. Another is that it stimulates the pituitary gland, which in turn stimulates the adrenal gland to release anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Acupuncture and Electro-acupuncture are used for the treatment of many ailments, including headaches, neck pain, migraines, nausea, osteoarthritis of the knee, asthma, symptoms of fibromyalgia, insomnia, smoking cessation, drug addiction and irritable bowel syndrome.