Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back more than 3,000 years. According to legend, its origin is attributed to Emperor Yu, founder of the Hsia Dynasty, and Emperors Fu-Shi and Wen.
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific parts of the body, usually by inserting very thin needles. The English word acupuncture was coined in the 17th century, but the Chinese had been using this technique for 2,000 years prior.
Over the centuries, acupuncture spread to other countries like Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it reached Europe and America.