Involves the insertion of fine needles into some of the hundreds of points on the body where it is believed that the universal life energy Qi (pronounced chee) enters or exits. Although orthodox medicine finds this explanation unconvincing there are examples of acupuncture being used in pain relief centres in major hospitals and in the managment of withdrawal symptoms from both opiates and stimulants. In the management of withdrawal the insertion of needles is said to stimulate the production of the bodies natural opiates, the endorphins.