acupuncture

/ˈækjupəŋtʃər/

/ˈækjupəŋktʃə/

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."

Definitions of acupuncture

1. noun

   treatment of pain or disease by inserting the tips of needles at specific points on the skin
   synonyms: stylostixis

   type of:

   intervention, treatment

   care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)