acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

ˈa-kə-

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)

acupuncture transitive verb

acupuncturist

ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chə-rist 

ˈa-kə-

noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In traditional Eastern Medicine, cupping therapy is closely associated with acupuncture. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025

The city’s day spas and med spas offer everything from oxygen therapies to acupuncture to Botox and all do so in an incredibly soothing environment. —Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

Another review showed that the benefits of acupuncture for chronic back pain continued for a year post-treatment.92 What Are the Acupuncture Points for Back Pain? —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 24 Mar. 2025

Services include Somatic Experiences to help alleviate the effects of trauma, apothecary, holistic family medicine such as acupuncture, and nutrition counseling. —Visit Lake Tahoe, AFAR Media, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for acupuncture

• venipuncture
• conjuncture
• disjuncture
• juncture
• puncture

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain

Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər 

: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing