Ear acupuncture for the treatment of physical addiction, such as that to heroin or nicotine. Acupuncture is based on a traditional Chinese treatment. Acupuncture points are sited on lines (meridians) along which energy flows. Blocked lines cause disorders, which are treated by the correct positioning of needles. Modern science explains the effects by the release of endorphins (the body's painkillers) caused by the needles.