A Brief History of Acupuncture
Learn about the deep roots of Acupuncture, and its evolution into the practice that is delivered today.
3000 BC – 400 BC
The Beginnings of Acupuncture
Acupuncture’s origins stretch back over 5,000 years to ancient China. Thought to have been founded by Fu Xi around 3000 BC, early practitioners likely used stone, bamboo, and fish bones as tools to stimulate the body. As time passed, metal needles were introduced around 400 BC, advancing the practice to resemble the acupuncture we know today. Despite its humble beginnings, acupuncture quickly took root in Chinese society as a valued form of medicine.
- Fuxi: counted as the first mythical emperor of China
100 BC – 100 AD
The Wisdom of the Huangdi Neijing
The foundations of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) were laid out in the Huangdi Neijing, or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, written between 100 BC and 100 AD. This text remains a cornerstone in Chinese medicine to this day. It captures the conversations between the mythical Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, and his physician, Qi Bo, discussing the intricacies of Yin, Yang, and Qi—the vital forces that govern our health and the universe. These ancient principles became the bedrock of acupuncture, and the text’s influence is still deeply felt in the practice today.
- Huangdi / The Yellow Emperor. Rose to prominence in the early Han dynasty
200 BC
Ancient Discoveries
In 1973, the excavation of the Mawangdui Tombs revealed silk texts from around 200 BC that detailed early meridian lines—showing how deeply acupuncture was already embedded in Chinese medical theory. These meridian lines mapped the body’s energy pathways, the channels through which acupuncture needles would help restore balance and health. The intricate system of meridians became one of the defining features of Chinese acupuncture, further solidifying its role in health care.
- The coffin of lady Xin Zhui (217–168 BC). Unearthed from Tomb No. 1 at Mawangdui
11th Century – 19th Century
Acupuncture’s Rise and Fall Through Dynasties
Acupuncture thrived during China’s dynastic eras. From the 11th to the 16th century, it was an essential part of the royal court, with skilled acupuncturists serving the emperors. Schools were established, devoted solely to training clinicians in this art. Yet, like many aspects of medicine, acupuncture experienced cycles of popularity. In the 17th and 18th centuries, acupuncture lost favor as herbal medicine took the lead. By the 1800s, Emperor Dao Guang officially banned it from the royal court, considering it too "primitive."
- Emperor Taizong of Song: member of the Song dynasty
1912 – 1949
The Revival of Acupuncture
After a period of decline, acupuncture made a powerful comeback in the mid-20th century. During the Republic of China era (1912-1949), acupuncture was outlawed, but in 1949, when Chairman Mao came to power, he recognized its value. To make healthcare accessible for all, he reinstated acupuncture as part of public health initiatives, sparking a revival that carried acupuncture into the modern era.