CHARLOTTE -- Allowing Medicaid to cover acupuncture as alternative pain therapy is a growing trend in several states.

It's yet another way to tackle the over-prescribing and addiction issue involving opioids.

Charlotte acupuncture therapist Todd George says the traditional Chinese medicine taps into the nervous system and can release the body's natural endorphins.

He often sees patients who are trying to ween off prescribed opiates.

"We want to give patients a choice, an informed choice," said Geoge. "There are a lot of patients who don't want to take medicication, they should have other options available to them."

Currently, 12 states approve the coverage.

North Carolina Medicaid and a majority of insurance companies in our state do not.

Get the latest news, sports and weather delivered straight to your inbox. Click here to sign up for email and text alerts.