Glossary of Selected Acupuncture Terms

Acupuncture

An ancient Chinese health practice that involves puncturing the skin with hair-thin needles at particular locations, called acupuncture points, on the patient’s body. Acupuncture is believed to help reduce pain or change a body function. Sometimes the needles are twirled, given a slight electric charge (see electroacupuncture), or warmed (see moxibustion).

Electroacupuncture

A variation of traditional acupuncture treatment in which acupuncture or needle points are stimulated electrically.

Meridians

A traditional Chinese medicine term for the pathways throughout the body for the flow of qi, or vital energy, accessed through acupuncture points.

Moxibustion

The use of dried herbs in acupuncture. Compressed herbs are placed in contact with acupuncture needles and burned. This method is believed to be more effective at treating some health conditions than acupuncture needles alone.

Qi

(Pronounced "chee.") The Chinese term for vital energy or life force.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

An ancient system of medicine and health care that is based on the concept of balanced qi, or vital energy, that flows throughout the body. Components of traditional Chinese medicine include herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, and remedial massage.

Yang

The Chinese concept of positive energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to remove yang imbalances and bring the body into balance.

Yin

The Chinese concept of negative energy and forces in the universe and human body. Acupuncture is believed to remove yin imbalances and bring the body into balance.

Source: The National Institutes of Health. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov/fcp/factsheets/acupuncture/acupuncture.htm#glossary. Accessed March 13, 2002.