Watch Melanie's story

Improvements in knee replacement surgery can reduce pain, recovery time

Many people turning to hypnosis to cure their ailments

(WHAS11) - If you have dealt with pain in your body, from backaches to headaches to pain related to an injury, you've probably tried just about everything to get some relief.  Well, maybe the ibuprofen just isn't enough.  Melanie Snow investigated something that's been around for thousands of years, acupuncture.

The thought of needles being inserted into various spots of your body might sound scary and painful, but for the thousands of people across the country using this ancient therapy, it is allowing them to live their life pain free. 

Ron Lois is a sufferer of chronic back pain and a self-proclaimed pin cushion.  Ron works in decorative concrete, a job that is taxing on his back and his joints.  After trying a variety of medicines and therapies, he decided to take a shot at acupuncture.

One by one a needle is inserted into key points of Ron’s body, each needle treating the pain that Ron has lived with for years.

Ron, who had only seen acupuncture in movies, was apprehensive at first but the treatment has changed his life.

As acupuncturist Jeffrey Russell inserts the needles, Ron appears to be relaxed unaware that he is covered in something that appears to be somewhat uncomfortable.

Bluegrass Chinese Medicine is a combined practice with Baer Chiropractic, two forms of therapy that Ron receives to ease his pain.

Acupuncture is covered by about 70 percent of insurers right now.  It is form of medicine that though still considered "alternative" is not being looked at that way as often by those who practice traditional western medicine.

Coming up next week, Melanie will delve into the world of colon hydrotherapy or colonics, the sometimes controversial practice of cleansing your colon with water.  Hollywood stars are swearing by it for weight loss but does it have medical benefits as well?  Those answers next Monday on GMK.