How does acupuncture work in alternative medicine?

Acupuncture operates on the principle of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, which are referred to as acupuncture points. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the concept of "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), which translates to "vital energy." The belief is that Qi flows through the body along pathways known as meridians.

By placing needles at particular acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore balance to the body's energy, promoting healing and improving various health conditions. This technique is thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, enhance blood circulation, and release endorphins, which can help alleviate pain.

The other options do not accurately describe how acupuncture functions. While heat therapy is sometimes associated with alternative treatments, it does not encompass the specificity or the foundational principles of acupuncture. Electric shocks are related to a different form of therapy known as electro-acupuncture but are not representative of traditional acupuncture. Bloodletting is a historical practice that has largely fallen out of favor in modern medicine and is not aligned with the principles of acupuncture.