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Acupuncture needles. View of several needles used in acupuncture. Acupuncture has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years. 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 and stress. Tense muscles can be relaxed by insertions. It is thought that the needles stimulate the body to produce endorphins, which act as 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.