What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a therapeutic method involving the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. These needles may be used alone or enhanced by manual techniques or electrical stimulation (known as electroacupuncture). Practiced for over 2,500 years, acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine and began receiving international attention in the 1970s, becoming widespread in many countries. Global Use of Acupuncture Data from the World Health