globe Atlas of Heritage
Civilization Object No. 008
Home / Atlas / traditional medicine

Acupuncture and Moxibustion

针灸

A 2,500-year-old medical practice using fine needles to restore energy balance. Now practiced worldwide for pain relief and wellness.

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

Warring States period (5th–2nd century BCE)

category Domain

traditional medicine

verified Level

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

pin_drop Region

North China

pulse Status

active

Acupuncture and moxibustion are core components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body to regulate energy flow (qi) and restore health. With a history spanning over 2,500 years, these practices have gained global recognition and are used worldwide for pain management, stress relief, and preventive healthcare.

auto_stories

Stories & Legends

Acupuncture: The Map of Energy

historical

Thin needles, deep wisdom: the 2,000-year-old map of meridians.

hub Knowledge Graph

Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 17 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Beijing location person Taijiquan (Tai Chi) ich person Chinese Herbal Medicine ich person Tuina Massage ich person Warring States Period dynasty auto_stories Acupuncture: The Map of Energy story person North China region person Twenty-Four Solar Terms ich person Taijiquan (Tai Chi) ich person Baduanjin Qigong ich
explore Navigation

Continue the Journey

Explore more heritage items across the atlas.

arrow_back Previous

Wooden Arch Bridge Construction

Self-supporting wooden bridges built without nails using interlocking beams — a masterpiece of Chinese structural engineering.
Next arrow_forward

Peking Opera

China's most celebrated opera form, blending music, dance, acrobatics, and elaborate costumed performance into a spectacular theatrical art.