Acupuncture needles – everything you need to know

Acupuncture needles are an essential element of acupuncture procedures. They have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and are now popular worldwide. In this article, we will explore all aspects of acupuncture needles. We'll discuss their history, structure, various types of needles, and the materials they are made of. You will also learn how needles are packaged and which brands offer the best products on the market. If you're wondering which acupuncture needles to choose, this article will help you make an informed decision.

Table of contents:

1) What are acupuncture needles?
2) History of acupuncture needles
3) Dry needling and other needle treatments
4) How is an acupuncture needle constructed?
5) Types of acupuncture needles
- Traditional acupuncture needles – Chinese, Japanese, and Korean needles
- Intradermal needles
- Acupuncture studs
- Ear needles
6) Acupuncture needle sizes
7) Materials used for acupuncture needles
8) Needle guides – what are they?
9) Needle packaging methods
10) EAKU, Dongbang, Seirin, and other acupuncture needle brands
11) Conclusion

What are acupuncture needles?

Acupuncture needles are specialized tools used in acupuncture, a therapeutic technique originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points on a patient's body to stimulate the flow of "Qi" energy through meridians (energy channels running throughout the body).

What distinguishes acupuncture needles from standard medical needles used for injections? Acupuncture needles are much thinner than standard injection needles because they are solid rather than hollow tubes. Their finer design makes acupuncture insertion much less painful than an injection (sometimes even painless!).

History of acupuncture needles

The first acupuncture needles were developed in China over 2,000 years ago. Initially, they were made from stone or bone. It wasn’t until the development of metallurgy that more precise tools made from steel and other metals could be produced. During the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), metal needles began to be made, resembling those used today. Modern acupuncture needles are the result of centuries of experience and research, improving their quality, effectiveness, and most importantly, the safety of the therapy. Today, needles are made from high-quality surgical steel, ensuring maximum precision and safety during acupuncture treatments. Modern manufacturing techniques allow for the production of large quantities of sterile, single-use needles.

Dry needling and other needle treatments

The use of acupuncture needles is not limited to traditional acupuncture. What are some other ways acupuncture needles are used? They are also employed in dry needling (dry needles) and auriculotherapy (ear needles). Dry needling is similar to acupuncture, but instead of focusing on surface-level acupuncture points, deeper trigger points and muscles are targeted. Hence, although dry needling uses the same needles as acupuncture, physiotherapists performing dry needling often choose longer needles. Auriculotherapy and ear acupuncture use shorter types of needles.

How is an acupuncture needle constructed?

Each acupuncture needle consists of three basic parts:

• Needle handle – the part the therapist holds during the procedure. The handle can be made from various materials such as stainless steel, plastic, or even silver or gold. Chinese, Japanese, and Korean needles differ in handle types (see below).
• Needle body – the thin, flexible part inserted into the patient's skin. The body can vary in length and thickness, influencing its application. High-quality needles feature a thin but durable body, minimizing patient discomfort while ensuring treatment safety.
• Needle tip – the sharp end that penetrates the skin. A precisely sharpened tip reduces pain during the procedure. Sometimes, the tip and body are coated with a thin layer of silicone to make the puncture smoother and less painful.
  
  

Types of acupuncture needles

There are various types of acupuncture needles that differ in their handles, materials, and intended use. Here are some of the most popular types:

Traditional acupuncture needles – Chinese, Japanese, and Korean needles

For traditional acupuncture needles, the handle is what distinguishes the type of needle.

• Chinese needles – These feature loop-ended handles made of copper, gold, or silver. According to some theories in Chinese medicine, looped handles allow the Qi energy to flow along the needle and return to the point, making these needles ideal for harmonizing Qi energy at a point.
• Korean needles – These are the most commonly used type today. They have a simple, straight handle without a loop, typically made of steel. Some Chinese medicine theories suggest that handles without loops allow the Qi to disperse, making these needles better suited for dispersing Qi energy at a point.
• Japanese needles – These have a flattened steel handle.
  
  

Plastic needles

Plastic-handled needles are lighter and cheaper to produce, allowing for thinner designs. They are especially useful in cosmetic acupuncture (where facial skin is punctured) and veterinary acupuncture (acupuncture for dogs and cats).

Intradermal needles

Intradermal needles are very short needles that are inserted shallowly under the skin and left in place for a longer period to stimulate acupuncture points.

Acupuncture studs

Acupuncture studs are small needles inserted perpendicularly into points. Each stud is mounted on an adhesive patch, allowing for longer treatments. They are used in ear acupuncture for gentle point stimulation.

Ear needles

Ear needles are used in auriculotherapy, a technique that treats various conditions by stimulating points on the ear. Specific needles like ASP® can stimulate points for several days, greatly enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.

Acupuncture needle sizes

Is needle size an important factor? Yes, because it can determine its application. The size of a needle is determined by its length and thickness (diameter). Available sizes include short, medium, and long needles:

• Short needles (13–25 mm) – Used in delicate treatments such as facial acupuncture, auriculotherapy, or on sensitive areas of the body.
• Medium needles (30–50 mm) – The most commonly used in general acupuncture treatments, perfect for classic Chinese acupuncture therapies.
• Long needles (75–150 mm) – Employed for deep tissue penetration, particularly in dry needling, and for treating certain meridians. The longest needles (over 100 mm) are also used in animal acupuncture, such as for horses.
  
  

Materials used for acupuncture needles

The needle's body and tip are now made from medical-grade stainless steel, known as surgical steel. This high-quality steel ensures corrosion resistance, flexibility, and strength to prevent breakage. Needles made entirely from steel are referred to as steel needles.

Copper needles

Copper needles feature a stainless steel body and tip but have a copper handle. Copper-handled needles with a loop are known as Chinese needles.

Gold needles

Gold needles are divided into two types: those with gold-plated handles and those entirely gold-plated (including the body and tip). The latter is recommended for patients with metal allergies. According to some Chinese medicine theories, gold needles are better suited for tonifying (stimulating) Qi energy at a point.

Silver needles

Similar to gold needles, silver needles are divided into silver-plated handles and those entirely silver-plated (including the body and tip). Fully silver-plated needles minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Some Chinese medicine theories suggest silver needles are better for dispersing Qi energy at a point.

Needle guides – what are they?

Guides are thin tubes that hold needles before inserting them into the patient's skin. They help position the needle precisely and make the procedure easier, especially for less experienced therapists.

Needle packaging methods

Acupuncture needles can be packaged in various ways. The choice of packaging depends on the practitioner's preferences and working conditions.

• Individually packaged without a guide – Preferred by experienced acupuncturists for treatments where few needles are used (e.g., the Branch and Root method).
• Individually packaged with a guide – Ideal for precise needle insertion in treatments requiring fewer needles.
• Blister packs with guides – A large set of needles for quick and sterile use in clinical practice where many needles are required, while using guided needles.
• Blister packs without guides – A cost-effective solution for large clinics with experienced therapists.
  
  

EAKU, Dongbang, Seirin, and other acupuncture needle brands

There are many brands offering high-quality acupuncture needles. In our store, you'll find a wide selection of popular brands such as Seirin, EAKU, Dongbang, ZYTH, and TONY (Hwato).

Conclusion

Acupuncture needles are a fundamental element of effective therapeutic treatments, both in Traditional Chinese Medicine and modern methods like dry needling. The variety of types, sizes, and materials used in needles allows them to be widely applied, from classic acupuncture to facial acupuncture or veterinary acupuncture. Choosing the right needles is crucial for safe acupuncture therapy. Whether you're using Chinese, Japanese, or Korean needles, remember that quality, hygiene, and proper usage are essential.