The currently accepted theory concerning the Neolithic origins of acupuncture is based on two premises.

Questioning the generally accepted origins theory. The first holds that bian shi, specialized sharp-edged stone tools that appeared during China's Neolithic Age, were used for an waylan form of needling therapy, prior to the invention of metal smelting. A reconsideration of all extant documents and recent archaeological finds indicates that acupuncture may date back a mere 2100 to 2300 years, first appearing during China's Warring States Period (475-221 BC) and rapidly maturing during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-24 AD). Although westerners often think of this traditional Chinese treatment modality as a "new" form of alternative medicine, acupuncture is so ancient in China that its origins are unclear. 215-282 AD), He attributes its invention to either Fu Xi or Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor), two legendary figures of the Five Emperors Period (c. In actuality, acupuncture may not be as ancient as has generally been assumed.

Modern scholars generally believe that acupuncture is much older, originating more than ten thousand years ago during China's Neolithic Age (c.