Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest branches of medical science. Yet most people never stop to think about the ancient history that brought us here. Societies have trusted acupuncture for thousands of years, and it long predates our first attempts at surgery — or modern sciences like radiology. However, modern science has shown ancient acupuncture to be as effective as people have known it to be for a long time. But where did acupuncture start, and when did modern science start researching its true capabilities? Here’s a look at the history of acupuncture, from its beginning in ancient Chinese medicine to modern practice as a researched science.

The History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This traces it back to thousands of years ago. This is apparent from the surviving writing and other resources we have from this period. The theory and practice are based on the belief that the body’s vital energy flows along channels of the body between opposite poles called yin and yang.

It involves inserting acupuncture needles into specific acupoints. These acupuncture points are specific and believed to stimulate the central nervous system to improve health and offer pain relief without side effects.

Sharpened bone tools from ancient history indicate that people might have practiced acupuncture during the Neolithic period, alongside using tools for bloodletting and other medical purposes.

Large parts of acupuncture knowledge have stayed unchanged for thousands of years. Knowledge about the human body and different pressure points has been passed down from one practitioner to the next. They brought us to more modern times, where acupuncture is studied and taught in formal institutions.

Franklin Bache and the 1800s

Acupuncture experienced a surge in popularity during the sixties and seventies, moving with enlightened ideas about health throughout the United States. As people looked for alternatives to mainstream healthcare and philosophy, many found and promoted acupuncture.

However, the history of acupuncture in the United States started much earlier.

In 1825, Franklin Bache was one of the first professionals in the United States to experiment with and study acupuncture. Bache’s research became one of the most important breakthroughs in modern acupuncture.

The First in Acupuncture Treatment

In the early 20th century, the practice was ignored by Western science. The concept of inserting needles into the human body and the energy flow of qi or life force energy seemed irrational. Acupuncture treatment became more popular with mainstream Americans after President Richard Nixon visited China in 1972.

Whatever you might think of Nixon’s term, this particular event managed to open doors for future collaboration. In this case, it promoted the further formal study of acupuncture in the US.

The first formal acupuncture treatment center was opened in the United States the same year. A visit to China and the subsequent demonstration enlightened many people about what acupuncture could do.

This critical milestone in acupuncture treatment led to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Founded in 1987, it further promoted acupuncture as a formal science.

More About Acupuncture

Acupuncture history is still in the making, and the story isn’t finished yet! The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine is the first document to describe acupuncture. This book covers various topics that explain the importance of maintaining a balance in the body. Its ideas are still relevant today.

More recently, The National Acupuncture Center (NAC) was founded. This organization came into being in 1991 and added to the national acupuncture presence within the United States.

Western medicine has adopted the practice in healthcare. The needling technique is often used for musculoskeletal pain. Others receive acupuncture for a variety of other conditions, including:

• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Addiction
• Infertility
• Emotional disorders
• Digestive disorders

Acupuncture is still being studied, and many of its benefits are still being discovered and promoted. Every time someone studies acupuncture and uses what they’ve learned, they add one more page to the history of acupuncture.

About Farrah Hamraie

Farrah Hamraie, L.Ac, MOM, Dipl.OM (NCCAOM), is licensed and board-certified in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in the State of Texas with a Master of Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine.

She is also a Diplomat of NCCAOM (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), a Board Certified Acupuncturist, a Chinese Herbalist, and a member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine.