Acupuncture (针刺术: lit. the art of needle pricking) has occurred in some form in almost every human civilisation around the world but none reached the level of refinement found in China. By focusing on stimulating the nerves with very fine needles to generate sensations while minimising bleeding, it was millennia ahead of the rest of the world.
The actual insertion of needles is known to have several effects:
However, as anyone who has had traditional acupuncture can tell you, it is capable of so much more, depending on the context, and this is where traditional practice differs from just inserting needles into painful areas. Acupuncture is the great facilitator, enhancing other traditional practices such as:
In both cases, the aim is to enable physical or mental exercises, or lifestyle modifications, that can bring about a more lasting change.
Acupuncture can also include moxibustion heat therapy, electrical stimulation and any other techniques that use tools to enhance traditional practices.