One of the oldest therapies of mankind (>3000 years) from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): acupuncture means a targeted skin stimulation of selected points along the meridians by inserting thin needles. In the West, it is indicated in particular as acupuncture analgesia; rarely as electrostimulation analgesia in combination with conventional anaesthetic procedures. In addition to body ac upuncture, a distinction is made between ear acupuncture, electroacupuncture and laser acupuncture. Procedures such as acupressure and moxibustion also belong to this form of therapy. Since 2007, the costs of classical body acupuncture are covered by all statutory health insurance companies, provided that it is chronic pain of the lumbar spine or knee joint arthrosis that has existed for at least six months.