Acupuncture needles. A museum exhibit of needles used in Chinese acupuncture. The needles vary in length, shape and thickness depending on their use. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine metal needles at specified points into the skin of a patient. Acupuncture can be used as a therapy for various disorders or to induce anaesthesia. The needles are vibrated, heated or have a small electric current applied depending on the condition. The point of insertion is also governed by the symptom. Acupuncture needles are thought to activate sensory nerves, promoting the brain to produce endorphins (natural analgesics). Photo- graphed at the Taichung Science Museum, Taiwan.