Forever open to new experiences, I recently subjected my torn rotator cuff to an ancient method of healing called acupuncture. All I knew before being sent to Houston and Smithers physiotherapist, Mike McAlonan, was that my shoulder was in pain. I didn't realize I would soon have sharp little needles sticking out of my skin!

Mike hails from New Zealand and says that physiotherapy with acupuncture is more mainstream there. A lot more physicians practise acupuncture as well.

Translated, the word acupuncture means "needle piercing." In reality, that means someone like Mike will poke a solid, metallic needle into certain "points" on your body. How can that help anyone, you ask?

There are two basic forms of acupuncture: the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or the Western Anatomical. In China, acupuncture is part of a complete medical system that originated more than 2,000 years ago. It wasn't until the 1970's that it was introduced in North America.

TCM is based on ancient Chinese concepts of health and disease, including theories of Yin-Yang, Qi, Five Phases, the Six Evils and the necessity for balance and control in all aspects of life. It is believed that energy circulates through the body along pathways or meridians which when blocked, can result in pain or ailment.