A traditional Chinese medicine procedure is getting more popular because it can relieve pain when more modern therapies often fall short.

Acupuncture “has been used for over 3,500 years, is safe, and can be effective for many ailments affecting people, including one of the biggest problems – chronic pain,” said Andrew Bloch, a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist based in Hollywood, Florida. Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles into your body along pathways called meridians that are believed to circulate an essential life force called qi (pronounced “chee”), said Amanda Occhipinti, a doctor of acupuncture who runs Integrated Health Center, a private practice in Watchung, New Jersey.

“Qi can be seen as a life-sustaining force akin to oxygen — critical for fueling the body’s processes, circulating in the blood, and providing essential energy for each cell,” according to Eileen Li, a doctor of physical therapy and licensed acupuncturist. Experts say acupuncture can help offer relief to the more than 50 million U.S. adults who live with chronic pain. Chronic pain is a complex condition that can stem from a variety of things, such as nervous system dysregulation, poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, and muscle tension, according to Li, who runs Anew Integrative Acupuncture, a private practice in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. “(Chronic pain) treatments commonly rely on short-term measures, like painkillers or injections, which can mask symptoms, but fail to address underlying causes,” she said. “This approach can lead to dependency, with individuals relying on medication to function despite risks of side effects, tolerance, and addiction.”

Acupuncture can help ease chronic pain in a few ways, experts said. By inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture enhances circulation, reduces inflammation and can deliver essential nutrients to affected tissues while removing “metabolic waste to ease pain and stiffness,” Li said. “Additionally, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which can lower pain sensitivity and alleviate stress.”

Studies show acupuncture can help boost beta endorphins, which are like your body’s natural pain medicine. “Endorphins are often called ‘feel-good’ chemicals because they enhance well-being, reduce stress, and help relieve pain,” Occhipinti said. “Research shows acupuncture also impacts other brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, both of which play essential roles in mood and pain perception.”