acupuncture
noun
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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
Lola Ogunnaike, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024
Additional therapies for back pain may include acupuncture and talk therapy.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
Sometimes, acupuncture sessions continue on a less frequent, long-term basis.
—Dasia Williams, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2024
Our chief veterinarian is actually trained in acupuncture and acupressure.
—Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
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“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acupuncture
noun
Latin acus "needle" and English puncture
Medical Definition
acupuncture
noun
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