Reading Theme:
Acupuncture Definition, Uses, and Key Facts
Meaning 1：needle therapy (acupuncture)
acupuncture
/ˈækjʊpʌŋktʃə(r)/
n.
A traditional Chinese treatment that uses very thin needles inserted at specific points on the body to relieve pain or treat illness.
needle therapy
➕
/ˈniːdl ˈθerəpi/
n.
A form of traditional Chinese medicine involving the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain or treat various conditions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'acus' (needle) + 'punctura' (a pricking).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'acu-' (like acute, sharp) and 'puncture' (to pierce). It's treatment with sharp needle punctures.
📖 Example
After years of back pain, my friend decided to try acupuncture, and she says the regular sessions have made a huge difference.
After years of back pain, my friend decided to try acupuncture, and she says the regular sessions have made a huge difference.
🔗 Collocations
undergo acupuncture – to receive acupuncture treatment
acupuncture points – the specific locations on the body where needles are inserted
acupuncture needle – the very thin needle used in the practice
🔄 Synonyms
acupressure (n.) – A related therapy applying pressure to the same points, not needles.
dry needling (n.) – A modern therapeutic technique involving inserting needles into trigger points, often compared to acupuncture.
🚫 Antonyms
conventional medicine (n.) – Mainstream medical treatment using drugs or surgery, as opposed to alternative therapies like acupuncture.
🌱 Derivatives
acupuncturist (n.) – A practitioner who performs acupuncture.
📖 Cultural Story
The term was coined in 17th-century Europe from Latin to describe the traditional Chinese medical practice observed by Western doctors. It reflects early cross-cultural medical exchange.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser