Acupuncture is one of the most commonly used medical procedures in the world and also one of the oldest. It's roots originate in China more than 2,000 years ago, and acupuncture as we know it grew in public knowledge in the United States in 1971. It was at that time New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures which involve stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.