Acupuncture needle in a woman's forehead. The needles are placed in the skin at points on the body along energy lines known as meridians. Cures are found by altering the flow of life energy (Qi) along the meridians. When placed in the forehead the needle can be used to treat stress and headaches. In Western acupuncture it is believed that the needle also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.