Easy Chinese for Talking About Acupuncture: Key Words, Useful Phrases, and Fun Practice

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that’s not only used to relieve discomfort, but is also a symbol of Chinese health culture. From the special “sore and heavy” feeling called “de qi” to the importance of acupoints, do you want to talk about your acupuncture experience in Chinese? This guide gives you key vocabulary, example sentences, sample clinic conversations, and a fun matching game. You’ll learn how to express yourself and also understand the wisdom behind Chinese health practices!

Key Vocabulary

• 针灸 (zhēn jiǔ): acupuncture
• 中医诊所 (zhōng yī zhěn suǒ): traditional Chinese medicine clinic
• 医生 (yī shēng): doctor
• 穴位 (xué wèi): acupoint
• 银针 (yín zhēn): silver needle
• 疼痛 (téng tòng): pain
• 晕针 (yūn zhēn): needle fainting
• 禁忌人群 (jìn jì rén qún): contraindicated groups
• 热敷 (rè fū): hot compress
• 酸胀感 (suān zhàn gǎn): soreness and distension
• 病历 (bìng lì): medical record
• 推拿 (tuī ná): Chinese therapeutic massage

Example 

1. 针灸的费用是多少？
   zhēn jiǔ de fèi yòng shì duō shǎo?
   How much does acupuncture cost?
2. 我腰疼，针灸能治疗吗？
   wǒ yāo téng, zhēn jiǔ néng zhì liáo ma?
   I have lower back pain. Can acupuncture treat it?
3. 一次针灸需要多长时间？
   yī cì zhēn jiǔ xū yào duō cháng shí jiān?
   How long does one acupuncture session last?
4. 针灸会很疼吗？
   zhēn jiǔ huì hěn téng ma?
   Will acupuncture be very painful?
5. 我有晕针的情况，还能做针灸吗？
   wǒ yǒu yūn zhēn de qíng kuàng, hái néng zuò zhēn jiǔ ma?
   I have a history of needle fainting. Can I still have acupuncture?
6. 一个疗程需要做几次针灸？
   yī gè liáo chéng xū yào zuò jǐ cì zhēn jiǔ?
   How many acupuncture sessions are needed for one treatment course?
7. 针灸后有什么注意事项？
   zhēn jiǔ hòu yǒu shén me zhù yì shì xiàng?
   What are the precautions after acupuncture?
8. 针灸多久能看到效果？
   zhēn jiǔ duō jiǔ néng kàn dào xiào guǒ?
   How long will it take to see the therapeutic effects of acupuncture?

Mini Game

Answers:
1-C / 2-A / 3-B / 4-D / 5-E

Now you’re ready to talk about acupuncture in Chinese, from asking about the cost to describing how you feel!