Successful acupuncture has been called “a jab well done” (a pun on “a job well done”). “Definition of acupuncture: A jab well done” was published in American newspapers in May 1975, in the syndicated column of New York City nightlife journalist Earl Wilson (1907-1987).
     
“Don’t trust people that do acupuncture. They’re back stabbers” is another acupuncture joke.
         
   
Wikipedia; Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM theory and practice are not based upon scientific knowledge, and acupuncture is a pseudoscience. There is a diverse range of acupuncture theories based on different philosophies, and techniques vary depending on the country. The method used in TCM is likely the most widespread in the United States. It is most often used for pain relief, though it is also used for a wide range of other conditions. Acupuncture is generally used only in combination with other forms of treatment.
         
20 May 1975, Daily Press (Newport News, VA), “Earl’s Laugh by Earl Wilson (NY syndicated columnist), pg. 10, col. 5:
Definition of acupuncture: A jab well done.
 
26 May 1975, Atchison (KS) Daily Globe, pg. 6, col. 1:
A local medic describes acupuncture as a jab well done.
 
21 September 1975, Mobile (AL) Press-Register, “Still more ‘inside stuff’!,” pg. 4-B, cols. 1-2:
There are always some “Bumper Stickers” printed in each issue of The Fifth Down. Like these:
(...)
Acupuncture: A jab well done.
 
13 November 1975, Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette, “Sidelights on Sports” by Al Abrams, pg. 16, col. 2:
Pat Foy says the definition of a successful acupuncture “is a jab well done.”
   
Google Books
The Bathroom Joke Book
By Russ Edwards
Saddle River, NJ: Red-Letter Press
1993
Pg. ?:
Acupuncturist. (A jab well done).
 
Twitter
Todd Kalhar‏
@Alsymer
My mom’s email: “A backward poet writes inverse.” “He had a photographic memory that was never developed.” “Acupuncture: a jab well done.”
5:15 PM - 17 Mar 2008
     
Google Books
Over 700 Witty & Humorous Definitions
By R. K. Murthi
New Delhi, India: V & S Publishers
2011
Pg. 11:
ACUPUNCTURE
. A jab well done.
 
Google Books
Dr. O.K.‘s Wit, Wisdom and Whatever
By Otis LoVette
New York, NY: Page Publishing, Inc.
2016
Pg. 16:
Acupuncture is a jab well done.
 
Reddit—Oneliners
Acupuncture: a jab well done
submitted October 29, 2017 by sunilkumar273