acupuncture

American  

[ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-] / ˈæk jʊˌpʌŋk tʃər, ˈæk jʊˌpʌŋk tʃər, ˌæk jʊˈpʌŋk- /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ ăk′y-pŭngk′chər /

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 Cultural  

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

Etymology

Origin of acupuncture

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

Explanation

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves having tiny needles inserted into your skin. Some people try acupuncture when conventional medicine doesn't make them feel better. Though the idea of acupuncture — with the word puncture looming large — might sound terrible to you, it's not at all painful. An acupuncturist uses slim needles, just barely inserted, and most acupuncture clients don't feel them at all. Although scientists have not proven that acupuncture cures illness, eases pain, or manages stress, many people who have tried it find it useful. The word has been used since the 17th century, originally to mean simply "pricking with a needle."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acupuncture

The Welsh Government says it is monitoring the implementation of mandatory licencing schemes for acupuncture, dry needling, body piercing, electrolysis, tattooing and semi-permanent makeup and this "will inform any potential future extension to other procedures".

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

In Boston, Marybeth Oskowski turned to acupuncture as part of a treatment plan for her terrier mix, Maddie, following a spinal injury.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 17, 2026

Since then, she has tried multiple treatments from medication to acupuncture to pelvic‑floor physiotherapy - all without success.

From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2026

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove was finishing an acupuncture session recently when the woman pulling needles out of her back surprised her with a question: “Can you do anything to help bring back entertainment jobs?”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026

“We can meet next week at my house to divide up the work. Any day except Wednesday—that’s when I have acupuncture on my ankle.”

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass