Acupuncture is the art and science of using needles, and electrical/or manual stimulation of reflex centers throughout the body to create change within organs, glands, and tissues with intent to return the body to normal function. 

Specific points are used to induce an analgesic affect mediated by the endogenous opioid system and biogenic amines, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and norepinephrin.