Acupuncture Needles - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Acupuncture, as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is gaining increasing popularity among both patients and therapists, including physiotherapists. The primary tool in this therapy is acupuncture needles. Choosing the right needles, their quality, type, and safety of use are topics that raise many questions, especially regarding hygiene and the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. This article addresses the most frequently asked questions about acupuncture needles, covering practical and technical issues related to their use.

Table of Contents:
1) Are acupuncture needles disposable?
2) Does inserting acupuncture needles hurt?
3) Where are acupuncture needles inserted?
4) How are acupuncture needles inserted?
5) How many needles are used during one acupuncture session?
6) How to ensure safety during acupuncture treatment using needles?
7) What are acupuncture needles with a guide tube?
8) Can I buy acupuncture needles in a pharmacy?
9) How to choose the correct size of acupuncture needles?
10) Which acupuncture needles to choose for therapy?
11) What affects the price of acupuncture needles?
12) Where to find high-quality acupuncture needles?
13) What is the difference between dry needling needles and acupuncture needles?
14) Are Korean needles made in Korea?
15) Should I choose gold, silver, copper, or steel handles?
16) What are Soma, Dong Bang, EAKU, ZYTH, or Synergi needles?
17) What are the different types of needles for needling therapy?
18) Summary

Are acupuncture needles disposable?

Yes, acupuncture needles should be disposable. High-quality acupuncture needles are sterile and packaged individually, ensuring the safety of the treatment. Reusing needles can lead to infections, which is why sterile, disposable needles are the standard in modern acupuncture practice. Disposable needles such as Seirin, EAKU, or Dong Bang needles are sterilized using ethylene oxide and then ultrasonically cleaned, ensuring 100% sterility and safety during acupuncture.

Does inserting acupuncture needles hurt?

Acupuncture treatment is generally not painful. Acupuncture needles are very thin, and their insertion usually does not cause pain, but only a slight tingling or discomfort (though not always). Patients’ sensitivity may vary, but most people experience only minimal discomfort. The pain level can depend on the insertion site (for instance, acupuncture points on the feet might be more painful than those on the limbs).

Where are acupuncture needles inserted?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into so-called acupuncture points, which are distributed throughout the body. These acupuncture points are located along meridians—energy channels that, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), connect internal organs. Depending on the therapy's purpose, the needles are placed in various points on the body, such as hands, feet, back, head, limbs, or torso.

How are acupuncture needles inserted?

Inserting needles should be performed by a trained specialist. Proper hygiene is essential, using disposable needles and selecting the correct size for the acupuncture point. Needles should be inserted gently, with the right force and angle, to prevent discomfort. Guide-tube needles can help ensure precise placement, especially for beginner acupuncturists.

How many needles are used during one acupuncture session?

The number of needles used can vary. Some acupuncture sessions involve needling several points, while others may use needles at just a few points (usually between three and five points).

How to ensure safety during acupuncture treatment using needles?

The safety of acupuncture depends mainly on hygienic conditions and the practitioner's skill. Always use single-use, sterile needles, and ensure proper skin disinfection before inserting the needle. The needle must be inserted at the correct angle and depth to avoid tissue damage or needle breakage. After treatment, needles should be safely disposed of in designated medical waste containers.

What are acupuncture needles with a guide tube?

Acupuncture needles with a guide tube are needles placed inside a small plastic tube that facilitates precise insertion into the skin. The guide tube provides more control over the needle, making it especially helpful for less experienced therapists.

Can I buy acupuncture needles in a pharmacy?

When looking for acupuncture needles, a pharmacy may not be the first place to start, as these needles are generally unavailable in traditional pharmacies. They can be purchased in specialized acupuncture supply stores. Our TCMshop offers a wide selection of high-quality acupuncture needles from popular brands like EAKU, ZYTH, Dong Bang, and Seirin.

How to choose the correct size of acupuncture needles?

The size of acupuncture needles depends on several factors, including the insertion site and the therapy’s goal. The most commonly used needles range in length from 13 mm to 75 mm and in diameter from 0.16 mm to 0.30 mm. In our TCMstore, needle sizes range from 3 mm to 150 mm, and diameters from 0.12 mm to 0.40 mm, so there's something for everyone! The Dongbang, EAKU, or ZYTH needles, as well as Seirin needles, come in various sizes, allowing for precise selection according to patient needs. If you’re unsure which size to choose, we recommend a sample set containing a variety of needle thicknesses and lengths.

Which acupuncture needles to choose for therapy?

The choice of needles for therapy depends on the treatment type and the therapist's preferences. It is essential to focus on needle quality to ensure both safety and effectiveness. For traditional acupuncture, EAKU, ZYTH, Seirin, or Dong Bang needles are recommended due to their high quality and variety. For dry needling therapy, special dry needling needles are used.

What affects the price of acupuncture needles?

The price of acupuncture needles depends on the manufacturer, the quality of the needles, and the number of needles in the pack. Sets of needles are available in different price ranges. Prices for a set of needles can range from a few to several dozen dollars, depending on the quantity and specifications. Needle prices are also influenced by the materials used for the handles (steel, copper, silver, gold) and whether the needles include a guide tube.

Where to find high-quality acupuncture needles?

You can find high-quality acupuncture needles at TCMshop! We offer a wide variety of needles made from premium materials, from brands such as EAKU, ZYTH, Synergi, Seirin, Classic, Dong Bang, and TONY.

What is the difference between dry needling needles and acupuncture needles?

Dry needling needles, also known as dry needles, are essentially the same as traditional acupuncture needles. However, dry needling often uses longer and thicker needles for deeper penetration of muscles and tissues. These needles are designed primarily for treating muscle pain and trigger points. It’s important to note that dry needling focuses mainly on pain relief and is not directly related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Are Korean needles made in Korea?

Not necessarily! In acupuncture, various needle types are distinguished by the handle and material. These include Chinese needles (with a copper handle loop), Japanese needles (with a flattened steel handle), and the most popular Korean needles (with a steel handle without a loop). These are traditional needle names, which do not indicate the place of manufacture but rather the needle type. Acupuncture needles are produced in different countries. For example, Seirin needles are made in Japan, Dongbang needles are made in South Korea, and EAKU, ZYTH, Classic, and Synergi needles are produced in China.

Should I choose gold, silver, copper, or steel handles?

The choice of needle handles depends mainly on the therapist's preference. Gold, silver, copper, and steel handles differ in aesthetics, but according to Chinese medicine, they also possess different energy-conducting properties, which may be relevant in some acupuncture practices.

What are Soma, Dong Bang, EAKU, ZYTH, or Synergi needles?

Soma, Dong Bang, EAKU, ZYTH, Seirin, Classic, and Synergi are simply different brands of acupuncture and dry needling needles. Each brand offers various types of needles, differing in length, diameter, and purpose, allowing for precise selection of the right products for specific therapeutic needs. The brands available at TCMshop are known for their high-quality materials and compliance with international safety standards, as quality and safety are paramount for us.

What are the different types of needles for needling therapy?

Needling therapy includes various techniques such as acupuncture, auriculotherapy, and dry needling. This results in a variety of needle types suited to specific therapeutic methods. Types include:

Acupuncture needles – Thin, flexible needles of various lengths and thicknesses, used to stimulate acupuncture points.

Dry needling needles (or physiotherapy needles) – Thicker and longer than standard acupuncture needles, used for deeper penetration of muscles.

Intradermal needles – Needles that stay in place on the skin for long-term stimulation of points.

Acupuncture studs – Small needles similar to intradermal needles, mainly used in auriculotherapy and ear acupuncture.

Ear needles – Short needles for stimulating points on the ear, often used in auriculotherapy.

Summary

Needles play a crucial role in acupuncture, so it’s important to pay special attention to their quality, size, and type for the procedure. Whether you're selecting needles for traditional acupuncture or dry needling for muscle pain therapy, safety and precision are essential. High-quality acupuncture needles, like Seirin, EAKU, or Dong Bang, ensure effectiveness and comfort for both patients and therapists.