The term is a combination of two Latin words 'acus' which means needle and 'pungere' means prick. It is actually an ancient Chinese medical procedure in which needles were inserted into patient along some well-defined meridian points. In ancient China, stone needles were used for the treatment; then as metals were discovered later needle were made of bronze, silver and even gold. In modern days, needles are made of stainless steel.

Acupuncture points are most important part of therapy. These are actually the various stimulation points from various body parts. According to ancient theory; all these points have a direct access to stimulate the meridians, which are imaginary channels from where vital energy flows. There are more than 360 stimulation points; when needles are inserted or somehow stimulation of these points is done then it either interrupts or stimulates the energy flow.

This interruption or stimulation of points can cause analgesic effect that will reduce or completely eliminate pain. It can even stimulate a more strong energy flow which can heal the various health problems. All these points are mapped to 14 major meridian lines, for group 12 inner organs one meridian; one meridian along the spine which is called governing vessel and one more along the midline of abdomen which is called as conception vessel. The measure that is used to find points is called "Cun". Generally one Cun is equal to space between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint on middle finger.

All these points are categorized as per their functions. First category of such points is
Five transporting points system: This system explains the flow of energy (which called as 'qi' in Chinese) using analogy of rivers and points are described as points along the flow line. According to this system; "qi' bubbles up from a spring and gradually grows in depth and breadth like a river flowing down from mountain to the ocean".
In this five transporting system there are points;
* Jing well points are the points that represent energy flow when it bubbles up; these points

are located on tips of fingers and toes.
* Ying spring points are where the energy river glides down the channel, these points indicate heat of the body and they also show the changes in our complexion.
* Shu stream; these points indicate heaviness of body along with painful areas in joints and intermittent diseases.
* Jing river points give indication of cough and dyspnoea, fever and chills and foe bone diseases.
* He sea points are where qi unites and heads deeper into the body; these points are useful for indicating diarrhea. The counter flow of qi and these points also indicates the disorders caused by irregular eating and drinking.

Along with Five transporting points, there are some other sets of points like five phase points, Xi cleft points, Yuan source points, Luo connecting points, Back shu points, front Mu points, Hue meeting points.

Acupuncture treatment is successfully used to treat ear, nose and throat disorders, and then respiratory disorders. It is also useful in treating gastro intestinal and eye disorders, along with neurological and musculo-skeletal disorders.