acupuncture

American  

[ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-cher, ak-yoo-puhngk-] / ˈæk yʊˌpʌŋk tʃər, ˈæk yʊˌpʌŋk tʃər, ˌæk yʊˈpʌŋk- /

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Other Word Forms

• acupunctural
  adjective
• acupuncturist
  noun

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

That’s what led Emily Kurlansik, who works in a medical field, to try acupuncture for her aging cat, Wing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

After discovering veterinary acupuncture a decade ago, she eventually left Western medicine behind to launch a mobile practice sticking needles in dogs and cats.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

The National Institutes of Health reports that holistic care methods such as meditation, acupuncture and yoga have grown significantly in recent years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

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

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“You get your acupuncture on Wednesday afternoons, right?”

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass