How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by helping to restore/redirect the flow of energy (qi) in ones body. Acupuncturists look for problems in the energy flow similar to an electrician loking for a fault in the line. Allow me to give you a word picture. Once the electrician finds the failt and strengthens the line the electricity flows stronger and the light burns brighter.

Acupuncturists access the qi by the different points along channels or meridians.

In Chinese medicne pain is caused by a blockage of qi - similar to a traffic jam. We are the police who seek to direct the traffic and relieve the jam. If we do this we relieve pain and help the body to heal itself.

I hope this helps.

That helps me understand it a little bit more. But how do you find problems in a person's energy flow?

Through examining the patient - taking an accurate health history, looking at the patient, listening to the patient - chief complaint, both what they have to say and how they answer questions, palpating (feeling) the points and noting reactions. We also look at a person's tongue ( another discusion) and feeling the pulses.

I know this is probably as clear as mud but it takes all this info plus intuition and knowing the energy system.

The following 'What is Acupuncture?' explanation may help you understand how it works: http://theholisticoption.com/Pages/What_is_Acupuncture__34_2-82.aspx  It is certainly utlilized by many practitioners - aside from acupuncturists themselves - such as holistic dentists, chiropractors, etc. Just be sure that any practitioner you visit has had extensive training in the practice, and is licensed and/or certified if your state requires that of them.