Acupuncture originated in China, first mentioned in documents from a few hundred years before the Common Era. The concept of meridians, where energy flows through the body, was established by 100 BC. It gradually became standard therapy in China, along with heat, herbs, and massage. Chinese statues from the 1500s show acupuncture points still used today. It spread to Japan, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Tibet, and other Asian societies. In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health documented acupuncture’s safety and efficacy. Now covered by insurance, it is used most to relieve pain. A 2017 study valued the global acupuncture market at $24.55 billion.
Acupuncture Around the World
Korea developed hand acupuncture. Russia researched sonic and reflexology treatments. European countries like Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy, and France have active acupuncture centers. American acupuncture incorporates medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. In Japan, advanced Western medicine coexists with traditional Asian medicine.
The first definitive record of acupuncture as treatment is a 100 BC text, “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine”, thought to be a collection of handed-down traditions. While early needling practices may resemble acupuncture, it is unclear if they can be considered as such.
Modern Practice and Integration
When needles are inserted into specific points on the body known as acupoints, they are believed to rebalance the flow of energy within the body. Acupuncture is recognized for treating conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems to migraines, anxiety, and infertility.
Wang Wei-yi made detailed studies of 657 points on the human body and sponsored the casting of two life-size, hollow bronze figures with marked channels and precise point locations.
The popularity of acupuncture in France surged after the late 1920s, especially following George Soulie de Morant’s publications on Chinese acupuncture. Studying Oriental medicine and acupuncture can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the practice.
It is difficult to state definitively the age of acupuncture or for how long needles have been used for health conditions. The procedure’s exact origins are still uncertain. Even the methods described by ancient Greeks and marks found on the oldest natural mummy suggest practices similar to acupuncture.