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
Monica Eng, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Still, the review did not rule out that acupuncture may help balance hormones, increase ovulation rates, and reduce stress.
—Corey Whelan, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
For marathoners needing a muscle tune-up, Remedy Place also offers acupuncture and chiropractic movement sessions.
Services: Contrast therapy, IV drips, hyperbaric chambers and more.
—James Manso, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024
Sign up for cryotherapy facials, hangover IV drips, acupuncture, and more at the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.
—Sarah Sekula, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
acupuncture
noun
Latin acus "needle" and English puncture
Medical Definition
acupuncture
noun
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