Acupuncture points, also known as acupoints, are specific locations along the meridians in the body. Through long-term observation and practice, ancient practitioners identified special pathways within and on the surface of the body that facilitate the flow of informational energy. These pathways, along with specific points located on them, can directly influence various bodily functions when stimulated. The main channels are referred to as "meridians," while their branches are called "collaterals." The specific points distributed along these pathways are known as "acupoints," forming the basis of the meridian theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are 12 primary meridians, which are bilaterally symmetrical and directly connected to internal organs. Additionally, there are eight extraordinary meridians—known as the "Eight Extraordinary Vessels"—which are not directly linked to organs but serve as special pathways for regulating the flow of qi and blood, supplementing the functions of the 12 primary meridians.

Since 1979, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for certain conditions. In 2002, a survey revealed that 8.2 million adults in the United States had undergone acupuncture. By 2019, the German Acupuncture Association had 12,000 members, and in 2021, the U.S. had 45,000 licensed acupuncturists. In recent years, some U.S. states have included acupuncture in their health insurance coverage. In Taiwan, Western medical doctors and dentists can also practice acupuncture after completing relevant courses and earning credits. Despite the growing global acceptance of acupuncture, some individuals or organizations, based on studies involving non-professional TCM practitioners, still dismiss acupuncture as a placebo effect or pseudoscience. The field of acupuncture medicine still faces significant challenges.

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