Like more than 45 million Americans, Maria Bruno suffered for years with painful headaches. Modern medicine brought her no relief, so she turned to acupuncture.

"There were times that I'd have a headache for a whole weekend," said Bruno. "I'd be out of commission."

New research from Duke University Medical Center shows Bruno is not alone. Acupuncturist and anesthesia professor Dr. T.J. Gan and colleagues reviewed 17 studies of chronic headache treatment and found acupuncture was more effective than medicine over 60 percent of the time.

"One theory is that acupuncture can promote the release of our own body painkillers, endorphins and encephalins," said Gan. "During the acupuncture sessions, that level has been shown to increase."

There are several theories about how it works, but the main focus of acupuncture is body energy, or qi. There are over one thousand acupuncture points in the body, located along channels or zone of qi that run from head to toe.

During a 30-minute session, acupuncturist Tory Wegner placed about 12 tiny needles in acupuncture points in Bruno's hands, feet, forehead and ears.

"What we're trying to do right now is picking points that are all sending similar messages to the brain," she said.

Wegner said it usually takes about six weekly sessions for patients to feel better. Then they can begin to space treatments out to maintain the balance of energy.

"People used to be looking for the pill for everything and now people are trying to get away from that and change their lifestyles and be healthier," said Wegner, of Triangle Acupuncture Clinic. "So they're looking for alternatives to the quick fix."

Both Wegner and Gan say it's important to find an acupuncturist who is certified and licensed to practice.

"Typically, the state's requirement for certification is that the acupuncturist needs to have formal training of at least 300 hours," he said.

Other studies at duke show that acupuncture used during surgical procedures can help reduce the amount of other pain medications and lessen the post operative nausea, vomiting and pain.

For Bruno, the tiny needles not only relieve her headaches, they are a relaxing break.

"I don't even feel it," she said. "As soon as she puts them in, I take a nap."