Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or alternative medicine, in which a practician strategically inserts small needles at various points of the body. This practice is thought to restore energy flow and address any blockages to improve health. While the medical community has recently recognized it as an effective therapy for several conditions, its history extends back thousands of years. Here’s how it evolved over time.

How Acupuncture Started

The precise origins remain unclear. Tools such as sharpened stones and bones dating back to 6000 B.C. have been discovered, which experts believe may have been used for acupuncture. Yet, the “Huangdi Neijing,” or “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine”—written around 300 B.C.—contains the first known mention of the practice. It is believed to be written by several Chinese authors and continues to serve as a reference for TCM practitioners today.

Who Practiced It

Following the publication of the “Huangdi Neijing,” acupuncture became widely used for therapeutic applications in China. Practitioners throughout the Ming Dynasty developed the modern-day practice, which designates 365 points throughout the body into which needles may be inserted to direct energy flows. However, interest in TCM dwindled beginning in the 17th century until it was outlawed in 1929 and replaced by Western medicine. It wasn’t until the 1940s and 1950s that it experienced a renaissance in China, as many clinics opened to offer and teach the practice.

Nonetheless, the seeds of TCM had already been planted around the world. From the sixth century onward, nearby nations such as Korea and Japan began adopting TCM practices. By the 16th century, the French had begun using acupuncture after Jesuit missionaries brought it over. Then, in the 19th century, other Western nations—including Britain and the United States—began exploring the practice. By the 1970s, it gained momentum in America after a U.S. press corps member hailed the practice and described his experience in The New York Times.

How People Use It Today

Today, this TCM practice is used to improve symptoms across a broad range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, addiction, asthma, pain after dental surgeries, and headaches. While traditional needles are still used in many applications, practitioners may also employ the use of lasers to redirect energy throughout the body.

If you’re considering acupuncture and would like to explore its benefits firsthand, turn to Rosemount Chiropractic Clinic in Dakota County, MN. This clinic offers a broad range of services for chronic pain and injury recovery, including chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitative therapy, and acupuncture. Explore their services online, or call (651) 423-2251 to schedule an appointment.