How are acupuncture needles produced?

The production of acupuncture needles is a fascinating and precise process where tradition meets modern technology. Acupuncture, an ancient medical practice originating from China, has become a popular method of treatment and therapy worldwide. A crucial element of this therapy is, of course, the acupuncture needles. They are designed and manufactured to ensure effectiveness and safety during treatments. The production of acupuncture needles must meet all the requirements for manufacturing medical devices, guaranteeing durability, sterility, and patient safety. The process involves several steps, from selecting raw materials to precise testing and packaging.

Table of Contents:
1) Raw materials
2) Rolling and cutting
3) Forming acupuncture needles
4) Sharpening and grinding
5) Polishing and cleaning
6) Testing and quality control
7) Packaging acupuncture needles
8) Conclusion

Raw materials

The beginning of acupuncture needles production involves choosing the right raw materials. The most important material used for manufacturing needles is surgical-grade stainless steel, which must be highly durable and corrosion-resistant. The steel is carefully selected to meet all requirements for purity and strength, as defined for medical device production.

Rolling and cutting

The next step is rolling the steel into the appropriate shape to achieve the initial form of the needles. The steel undergoes a rolling process to give it the right length and thickness. Then, the rolled steel is cut into pieces of the desired length, which will be used to create acupuncture needles.

Forming acupuncture needles

The prepared steel pieces undergo a forming process to shape them into acupuncture needles. This process typically involves multiple stages. Firstly, they are heated to become more pliable. Then, they are formed using machines that give them the proper shape and sharp tip.

Sharpening and grinding

A key feature of acupuncture needles is their sharp tip, which enables precise and painless insertion into the skin. Sharpening and grinding are carried out using advanced techniques and machinery. Needles undergo multiple grinding processes to ensure a smooth surface and precise shape, minimizing patient discomfort during treatments.

Polishing and cleaning

After sharpening, the needles undergo a polishing process to remove any surface imperfections. They are then thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to ensure hygiene and safety during use. Ultrasonic cleaning is often employed to remove micro-contaminants from the needle structure, followed by sterilization using ethylene oxide.

Testing and quality control

Upon completion of production, acupuncture needles undergo rigorous quality testing. Each batch of needles is checked for sharpness, thickness, flexibility, and sterility. These tests are conducted to ensure that each needle meets the highest safety standards and will be an effective tool in the hands of acupuncturists.

Packaging acupuncture needles

The final step in acupuncture needle production is packaging. Needles are carefully packaged in suitable single-use, hermetically sealed containers to maintain sterility and protect against contamination. Packaging is designed to facilitate convenient and safe retrieval of needles during treatments, often using blister packs that hold needles individually or in groups, depending on therapists' needs. Blister packs may include guide tubes for acupuncture needles or needles pre-loaded into guide tubes.

Conclusion

The production process of acupuncture needles is complex and requires advanced technologies and skills. It upholds traditional quality and meticulous attention to detail to ensure effectiveness and safety during acupuncture therapy.

As a TCMstore team, we had the opportunity to visit facilities where needles from brands like EAKU and ZYTH are produced, witnessing firsthand the entire modern process of manufacturing needles used in acupuncture today.

Thanks to modern manufacturing processes, acupuncture needles are more precise, hygienic, and user-friendly than ever before. The widespread availability of safe and sterile acupuncture needles contributes to the development of acupuncture worldwide.