acupuncturist

American  

[ak-yoo-puhngk-cher-ist] / ˈæk yʊˌpʌŋk tʃər ɪst /

noun

1. a person, as a physician, chiropractor, or layperson, who practices acupuncture.

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Etymology

Origin of acupuncturist

First recorded in 1950–55; acupuncture + -ist

Explanation

An acupuncturist is an expert who treats health conditions by gently inserting tiny needles into a patient's skin. Sometimes people seek help from an acupuncturist in addition to medical treatment. The idea of visiting a provider with puncture in their title may understandably strike you as terrifying! But trained acupuncturists use needles that are so small that they don't hurt at all. And while science hasn't proven that this kind of treatment works to cure diseases or ease pain, many people report finding relief from various conditions after working with an acupuncturist.

Example Sentences

In production hubs like Los Angeles, the economic pain that has followed is apparent to everyone, including Kamlager-Dove’s acupuncturist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

She began to re-evaluate her lifestyle and after an acupuncturist suggested she shake up her diet, it dawned on Vicky she was eating next to no fibre.

From BBC • Jan. 16, 2026

Mei, a 71-year-old licensed acupuncturist who asked to not use her full name out of embarrassment, said a broker introduced her to the GPB investment funds at a lunch meeting targeting divorced women.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

Lin administered 17 treatments to Jiang over the next several months even though he is not a licensed acupuncturist and has never even applied for a New York state license to practice acupuncture, Katz said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 19, 2023

That’s one day closer to when I can go back to the acupuncturist.

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass