Acupuncture is a method that is believed to have been originated in China in the year 2500BC. In spite of its prehistoric origin, it is only a recent introduction in the western part of the world. This method gained entry into Britain during the end of the 18th century. During this time, this method was taken very seriously in the medical circles. In the year, this method created a sensation as a man was cured from dropsy using acupuncture at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. In the same year, The Lancet, a medical journal, reported that acupuncture cured patients with rheumatism in a trial that involved more than 100 patients. With the development of science, acupuncture was termed as unconventional and started to decline.

The interest in acupuncture once again commenced in the year 1928. The French Consul to China, who had translated many treatises on acupuncture into French, showed a great interest in this field. Since that time, acupuncture gained a lot of fame in France. The year 1958 saw the discovery of acupuncture as an anesthetic and numerous surgeries were performed using acupuncture. As the relations between the east and the west improved, President Richard Nixon with three physicians visited China to observe treatment with acupuncture in the 1970s.

There is much research been done in the last decade regarding acupuncture both in the east as well as west. The studies aim at verifying the existence of acupoints as well as meridians and in determining the working capacity of the therapy. One such theory suggests that acupuncture triggers pain barriers in the nervous system. Similarly, another research states that acupuncture releases endorphins, certain chemicals that reduce pain and augment the well-being feeling. The WHO recognizes the acupuncture value for treating nearly 100 common ailments and incorporates into the healthcare systems.

Traditionally, acupuncture was performed by hand developing sensitivity in the fingertips and hands for needle manipulation and diagnosis. Recently, these types of treatment are done using laser stimulation or electrical stimulators on the acupuncture points. The modern acupuncture refers to the electro acupuncture device developed to measure the electrical energy as well as to determine the points for treatment. There are several devices that enable people to identify the points for these ailments and to cure them electrically. This provides relief to mild ailments, but consulting a practitioner who is qualified is essential for serious disorders. The modern acupuncture relates to laser therapy and this is becoming popular as it emits beam directly to the acupoint and promotes quick healing.