Originally from China, acupuncture has been practised in the East for centuries. Now this holistic form of medicine is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and America. Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) provides a useful complement to orthodox medicine, as it can treat chronic or recurring problems such as backache, migraines and asthma, and can reduce the use of drugs in many conditions. Sometimes, Acupuncture can make sense of illnesses that modern medicine has difficulty treating. Seeing health and illness from a T.C.M. perspective enables the acupuncturist to treat subtle imbalances. Not only does it relieve symptoms, but also helps to improve the functioning of the immune system, regulate organ functions and create an enhanced sense of well-being and happiness. Scientists and doctors increasingly recognise the validity of acupuncture treatment as one of the most valuable complementary therapies.