Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the belief that the body has a vital energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") that flows through channels or meridians.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, when the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can lead to illness or pain. The history of acupuncture dates back to the Neolithic era, where stone needles and bone needles were used for therapeutic purposes.

The earliest written documentation on acupuncture can be found in the Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), which is a foundational text of traditional Chinese medicine. This text describes the theory behind acupuncture and provides guidelines for its practice.

Over the centuries, acupuncture techniques evolved and became more refined. The use of metal needles replaced the earlier stone and bone needles, allowing for more precise and effective treatments. Acupuncture gained popularity in China and was integrated into mainstream medicine.

Nowadays, acupuncture is widely practiced and accepted as a complementary therapy in many parts of the world. It is used for various conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, fertility support, and even addiction treatment.