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
Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2024
For tinnitus, acupuncture needles are placed in areas on and near the ear, which may reduce stress and improve blood flow to the brain.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024
Pets can get dementia and arthritis, and treatments can include CBD oil, acupuncture, physical therapy and more.
—Next Avenue, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
This one has five modes and six intensity levels and uses heating to target specific acupuncture points for a thorough massage.
—Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acupuncture
noun
Latin acus "needle" and English puncture
Medical Definition
acupuncture
noun
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