Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate various physiological responses. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for thousands of years. The fundamental concept behind acupuncture is the balance of the body's vital energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is believed to flow along pathways called meridians.

   Acupuncture gained significant popularity and began to spread rapidly in Western Europe, the United States, and Canada during the second half of the twentieth century. This was part of a broader interest in alternative and complementary medicine during that time.