noun
acupuncture
AK-yoo-pungk-cher/ˈækjupʌŋktʃər/
Treatment using fine needles inserted at specific points on the body.
The practitioner places fine needles during an acupuncture session.
Etymology
The pieces describe “pricking with a needle.” The word originally named an operation to ease pain, directly connecting that physical action with its therapeutic purpose.
In context
shiatsu is based on Chinese medicine and acupuncture. And basically instead of pressing in with a needle, you're pressing in with your body or your thumb.
More examples
- He asks the clinic what an acupuncture appointment involves.
- The museum displays historical tools used for acupuncture.
- Her training includes supervised practice in acupuncture.
Forms
acupuncturist noun — A practitioner who provides treatment using acupuncture.
Similar words
- acupressure
- Uses finger pressure instead of inserting fine needles.
- needling
- Names a broader procedure without identifying this treatment tradition.