Taking an herbal supplement is one way that numerous Americans try to improve their health and wellness. Now, researchers are saying that another alternative treatment, acupuncture, may reduce or eliminate unexplained symptoms in people with medically undiagnosed ailments.

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that adult patients with mild, unexplained physical symptoms experienced improvements in mood and comfort levels after undergoing 26 weeks of regular acupuncture sessions.

Even though none of the participants changed their lifestyles, diets or medication regimens, researchers found that the ancient alternative health practice improved quality of life for most volunteers, especially those with a history of fatigue, aches, stress and low mood.

The team theorized that acupuncture helped these participants to realize how stressful their lives truly are, and to then address their anxiousness and nervous tension head-on.

Alternative therapies are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. According to a paper published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, 3 percent of adults use alternative mind-body therapies at the behest of their physicians.