Overview

Acupuncture, the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body in order to relieve pain or treat illness, is an ancient Chinese art first developed more than 4,000 years ago. Acupuncture was used to help restore a healthy balance of energy throughout the body and, along with herbal remedies, was the cornerstone treatment offered by traditional Chinese medicine. Although the origin of acupuncture predates written history, acupuncture's evolution through the ages remains grounded in the ancient Chinese naturalistic philosophies of Taoism.

Background

Evidence of practices similar to acupuncture are found in Chinese relics dating back to the New Stone Age (8000-2000 B.C.). During this time the first acupuncture needles were crudely shaped and made from stone. Known as bian stones, they were used to apply pressure to the body, treat wounds, and lance infectious lesions. Later, needles replaced the bian stones...