Translation guide
Acupuncture is a medical treatment involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. In Japanese, the most common term is 鍼 (はり), often combined with 灸 (きゅう, moxibustion) as 鍼灸 (しんきゅう).
Referring to acupuncture as a medical practice or treatment session.
The most common standalone word for acupuncture. Often used in compounds.
I had acupuncture done for my stiff shoulders.
Literally 'acupuncture treatment'. Used in medical or formal contexts.
腰痛のため、鍼治療を受けています。
I'm receiving acupuncture treatment for my back pain.
Refers to acupuncture and moxibustion together, the traditional combined therapy. Very common in clinic names.
近所に新しい鍼灸院ができた。
A new acupuncture and moxibustion clinic opened in my neighborhood.
Referring to the physical needle used in acupuncture.
Same word as the treatment; context distinguishes the needle itself.
鍼はとても細いので、ほとんど痛くない。
Acupuncture needles are very thin, so they hardly hurt.
Technical term for acupuncture needle, used in professional contexts.
使い捨ての鍼灸針を使用しています。
We use disposable acupuncture needles.
Referring to specific points on the body where needles are inserted.
Common word for pressure points or acupuncture points. Used in everyday language.
ここが肩こりに効くツボです。
This is the acupuncture point that works for stiff shoulders.
Technical term for acupuncture points along meridians, used in traditional Chinese medicine contexts.
In Japan, acupuncture is frequently combined with moxibustion (灸, きゅう). The compound 鍼灸 (しんきゅう) is very common and appears in clinic names, licenses, and general references to the therapy.
経穴の位置を正確に覚えるのは難しい。
It's difficult to memorize the exact locations of acupuncture points.