pung-, punc-, punct-

(Latin: pungere, punctum to strike, to hit, to punch, to pierce, to puncture, to point, to sting, to bite; a dot, a mark; a point, a sharp point, a pinpoint)

These vocabulary roots have developed a confusing family of words which, on the surface, do not seem to be related; however, the entries in this unit really are derived from the roots and the meanings that appear in the headings of this unit.

acupoint (s) (noun), acupoints (pl)
A specific place where a pin or a needle is applied: In the course Mr. Smith took, he learned where the acupoint was to situate the special needle in Tom's back.
acupunctuate (verb), acupunctuates; acupunctuated; acupunctuating
To pierce or penetrate the skin with a puncturing device: Dr. Green needed his special needles to acupunctuate certain places on Doug's body to complete the treatment he needed.
acupunctuation (s) (noun) (no pl)
The practice of piercings with or without a needle; the procedure of acupuncture: The medical staff thought that they would invite a specialist in acupunctuation to enhance the varieties of treatment for the patients.
acupuncturation (s) (noun), acupuncturations (pl)
The practice or process of inserting needles into living tissue; the procedure of acupuncture: Acupuncturation is used especially for medical or therapeutical purposes and normally in alternative medicine.
acupuncture (lexicomedy)
A jab well done.
Acupuncture the hard way
acupuncture (s) (noun), acupunctures (pl)
1. The ancient oriental practice of piercing parts of the body with needles to treat diseases or to relieve pain: Acupuncture is more recently known as "acupuncture anesthesia" or "analgesia".
2. As adapted in Western medicine, the needles may be twirled or be applied as a weak electrical current; Acupuncture is also called "stylostixis".

The quickest way to experience acupuncture is to try on a new shirt.

—Anonymous

Acupuncture has its points.

—Anonymous

Blunt words often have the sharpest edges.

—E.C McKenzie

Acupuncture is said to be a medical treatment that starts with being stuck with a needle and ends with being stuck with a medical bill.

—Anonymous

Historical background of acupuncture

Acupuncture, the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body in order to relieve pain or to treat illness, was developed in China more than four thousand years ago.

It is based on the idea that the body contains an essential life energy known as qi (CHEE), which flows in channels or meridians. It was believed that qi was made up of two varieties of energy, yin and yang.

In the human body, the male or yang elements indicate the capacity for "activity and transformation", while the female or yin characteristics are associated with "circulation, nourishment, and growth"; and the balance between them needs to be maintained.

The purpose of the acupuncturist is to remove barriers to the flow of qi and to restore the balance of yin and yang and such objectives are thought to be achieved by the placement of needles at certain positions on the surface of the patient's body.

—Compiled from information located in
Science, Technology, and Society;
The Impact of Science from 2000 B.C. to the 18th Century;
Editors: Judson Knight, Neil Schlager, Volume 1;
Thomson Gale; New York; 2002; page 20.
acupuncture analgesia (s) (noun), acupuncture analgesias (pl)
The lack of feeling pain or very little pain which is produced by the insertion of needles at certain points on the body: The acupuncture analgesia is used to activate small myelinated nerve fibers in the muscles which transmit impulses to the spinal cord and then activate three centers including the spinal cord, the midbrain, and the pituitary or hypothalamus in order to prevent experiencing any discomfort or suffering.

acupuncturist (s) (noun) (pl)
One who practices the procedure of inserting thin needles into a person't body to relieve an illness or pain: In order for Jim to become an acupuncturist, he had to study and learn about alternative medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
appoint (verb), appoints; appointed; appointing
1. To set or determine a time or place for something: The judge appointed the date and time for the next session.
2. To name a person for a specific role or post: Mrs. Thompson was formally appointed the head of the upcoming staff meeting.
3. In law, to direct the disposition of property by assigning an individual to take use of it: The estate was appointed to Jim's father by the law.
4. To furnish a place with equipment: The room was appointed with all the furnishings, chairs, and necessary lighting for the next formal gathering.
appointee (s) (noun), appointees (pl)
A person who is assigned to a certain role: Sharon was absolutely surprised when her boss appointed her to be his assistant in the following meeting.
appointer (s) (noun), appointers (pl)
An individual who designates, assigns, sets dates, or determines when and what is to happen: It seemed like Joe's mother was the appointer who decided what family member was to clean up the kitchen next!
appointive (adjective) (not comparable)
Relating to or filled by the designation of a person to hold an office or to be responsible for a position of trust: Henry was eligible for the appointive position as mayor until the election took place.
appointment (s) (noun), appointments (pl)
1. The action of putting a person into a position of office; designation: Jack was happy to accept nomination of the appointment of being the secretary of the club.
2. An arrangement between people to meet on a certain day and time; an engagement: When June looked at her calendar, she noticed that she had an appointment every week, either with a doctor or at the hairdresser's.
3. A position or a job; post; office; Mr. Smart took up the appointment of the head of the committee.
4. Fittings or furnishings (plural only): The fantastic appointments in the home were of the best quality and perfection.
aquapuncture (s) (noun), aquapunctures (pl)
A subcutaneous (under the skin) injection of water for the relief of pain: Acupuncture is a rarely used term in medicine for a hypodermic injection of water.
auripuncture (s) (noun), auripunctures (pl)
A surgical perforation of the tympanic membrane of the ear: In the hospital, an auripuncture was performed in Mrs. Blacks ear because of an illness she had.

Cross references of word families that are related directly, or indirectly, to: "sour, sharp": acerb-; aceto-; acid-; acies- (not "sour"); acuto- (not "sour"); oxy-.