Acupuncture. View of acupuncture needles inserted into a woman's foot. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used in Eastern medicine. It involves inserting needles into parts of the body along energy lines known as meridians. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including rheumatic and arthritic pain, allergies, digestion disorders, insomnia, stress and muscle tension. It is thought the needles stimulate the body to produce endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Acupuncture can also be used for the treatment of addictions. Usually symptoms start to be relieved after around four sessions.