Acupuncture. Close-up of an acupuncture needle held by an acupuncturist. According to traditional chinese philosophy, ill-health occurs when meridians" in the body, through which "life- force" flows, become blocked. Acupuncturists aim to restore health by inserting needles at appropriate sites on the affected meridians, altering the way the life-force flows. Scientific research suggests that the technique may have a pain-killing effect by triggering the release of endorphins (morphine-like compounds) in the brain."