acupuncture

[ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-]

noun

1. a Chinese medical practice or procedure that treats illness or provides local anesthesia by the insertion of needles at specified sites of the body.

verb (used with object)

acupunctured, acupuncturing 

1. to perform acupuncture on.

acupuncture

/ ˈækjʊˌpʌŋktʃə /

noun

1. Also called: stylostixis. the insertion of the tips of needles into the skin at specific points for the purpose of treating various disorders by stimulating nerve impulses. Originally Chinese, this method of treatment is practised in many parts of the world

acupuncture

1. The practice of inserting thin needles into the body at specific points to relieve pain, treat a disease, or anesthetize a body part during surgery. Acupuncture has its origin in traditional Chinese medicine and has been in use for more than 5,000 years.

acupuncture

1. A technique, which originated in China, for curing disease, relieving pain, or bringing about partial anesthesia by inserting needles into the body at specific points.

Other Word Forms

• acupuncturist noun
• acupunctural adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acupuncture¹

1675–85; < Latin acū with a needle (ablative of acus needle) or acu- (as combining form of acus ) + puncture

Word History and Origins

Origin of acupuncture¹

C17: from Latin acus needle + _puncture

Example Sentences

Okamoto credited exercise, yoga and other therapies such as acupuncture for helping while she reduces her dose.

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Several players said they would rely on the Rams’ training staff to help them modify weekly routines that include massage, acupuncture and other bodywork sessions with California providers outside of the organization.

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Miran is a gardener and a practitioner of shiatsu, a Japanese therapy similar to acupuncture, according to a biographical video released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

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Speaking on his podcast, The Useless Hotline Podcast, he said: "I had a pinched nerve all week in my back. I had acupuncture."

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These types of projects, intended to restore water’s natural paths in cities, have been called “urban acupuncture” or “sponge cities.”

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