acupuncture is part of acupuncture and moxibustion.

acupuncture is part of alternative medicine.

acupuncture is an instance of alternative medicine.

acupuncture is an instance of academic discipline.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body.

Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery.

There is a range of acupuncture technological variants that originated in different philosophies, and techniques vary depending on the country in which it is performed.

However, it can be divided into two main foundational philosophical applications and approaches; the first being the modern standardized form called eight principles TCM and the second being an older system that is based on the ancient Daoist wuxing, better known as the five elements or phases in the West.

Acupuncture is most often used to attempt pain relief, though acupuncturists say that it can also be used for a wide range of other conditions.

Acupuncture is typically used in combination with other forms of treatment.

The global acupuncture market was worth US$24.55 billion in 2017.

The market was led by Europe with a 32.7% share, followed by Asia-Pacific with a 29.4% share and the Americas with a 25.3% share.

It was estimated in 2021 that the industry would reach a market size of US$55 billion by 2023.

The conclusions of trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture generally provide no good evidence of benefits, which suggests that it is not an effective method of healthcare.