Acupuncture was developed in China over 3,000 years ago and is one of the oldest recorded forms of medicine. The insertion of a fine needle into the skin along energetic lines called meridians is thought to stimulate the brain and spinal cord to affect physiological function and produce natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins, melatonin (which promotes sleep) and serotonin (to promote well-being). Acupuncture and its adjunctive modalities such as cupping and guasha are effective with many conditions and are particularly useful in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints such as back and neck pain, muscle and joint problems and headaches.