Acupuncturists use very thin, single-use, sterile needles. Needles are inserted into specific points on the body depending on the individual condition. Needles are left in the body while the patient relaxes. While the patient is relaxing the needles stimulate the flow of Qi (energy, life force) in the body and help guide the body towards balance and health. In other words, the needling of acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain that can change the experience of pain or trigger the release of further chemicals or hormones to help the body’s own internal regulating system.