Acupuncture needle in a woman's forehead. These needles are placed in the skin at specific points on the body along energy lines known as meridians. Disorders and illnesses are cured by altering the flow of life energy (Qi) along the meridians. When positioned in the forehead, as shown here, the needle can be used as a treatment for stress, tension and headaches. In Western acupuncture it is believed that the needle also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.