Acupuncture is very much based in asian views of the body and its energy. It works with energy meridians in the body, so if you are having problems with any organ, the needles are placed in spots that help free energy ('chi') in that area. Acupuncture has also been used for pain management.
I get acupuncture on a regular basis, just as a preventive/maintenance treatment. Every time I go in, my acupuncturist tests me by having me lie on my back with my arm toward the ceiling, then he touches various points that correspond to organs, to see if I can keep my arm up. When he hits an area that is blocked or needs attention, there's no way I can keep my arm up.
When you start out, the treatments are only done on the arms and legs, with small needles, just to build up your 'chi' (energy), and when they are strong enough, you get turned over on your stomach, and needles are placed down both sides of the spine, on the scalp and in the buttocks and legs. Some of them are about 6" long (but only go in about 2". I was freaked out the first time I asked my acupuncturist what kind of needles he was using 'back there,' and he showed me. It definitely doesn't feel like that much is going into me.
