Is a method of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. It is believed to help restore the balance of energy (Qi), improve the function of organs and systems, and relieve pain and stress. In modern medicine, it is mainly used to ease pain, treat migraines, insomnia, and anxiety.

Instead of just inserting thin needles (as in traditional acupuncture), in thread embedding acupuncture (TEA), collagen biodegradable threads are inserted under the skin at acupoints. These threads are left in place to provide ongoing stimulation. The purpose is to combine the benefits of acupuncture stimulation with the mechanical / scaffold effect of threads + the collagen‐stimulating / wound healing response. Because the threads stay in for 10 to 20 days depending on a person’s metabolism, one TEA treatment substitutes for 10-20 traditional acupuncture treatments.