Quick Introduction
Acupuncture needles are very slim needles used in the practice of Acupuncture; a traditional Chinese medicine practice. Nowadays acupuncture needles come in different styles and sizes. in this blog however, we will be focusing on the parts of acupuncture needles and what makes it different compared to other needles
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Acupuncture needles compared to other needles
For starters, acupuncture needles are considered to be medical tools designed to pierce the skin during treatment. They are also only meant to be used by licensed practitioners.
Compared to medical syringe needles, which have a hollow center for transporting medicine and other liquids to the body, acupuncture needles are solid throughout and considerably slimmer. So much so that some would compare that acupuncture needles to the thinness of a strand of hair. And, when inserted with proper technique the insertion would feel nearly painless. However, the sensation can vary depending on the needle size, treatment area, needle design, and individual sensitivity.
Furthermore, acupuncture needles have different handles that also have different purposes.
Nevertheless, like all medical needles, acupuncture needles must and always be sterile and for single use only. These needles must also be disposed of in an approved medical container.
Acupuncture Needle Anatomy
The parts:
Tail
The tail is located at the end of the handle. Depending on the needle design, it may form a loop, coil, or flat end. Certain tail and handle designs may also support techniques involving moxibustion or electrical stimulation.
Handle
The handle allows the practitioner to hold, position, insert, and manipulate the needle. Common styles include Chinese-style loop handles, Korean-style spring handles, and plastic handles. The handle material and design can greatly influence grip, flexibility, and compatibility with different techniques.
Root
The root is the point where the handle meets the shaft. This junction helps secure the shaft within the handle and may affect the overall stability and feel of the needle.
Shaft
The shaft is the long, thin portion inserted into the body. It is generally made from medical-grade stainless steel and may be silicone-coated or non-coated. Its diameter and length vary according to the treatment area and practitioner preference.
Tip
The tip is the sharpened end of the needle. Its shape, polishing, and manufacturing quality can influence how the needle penetrates the skin and how insertion feels.
Why Needle Anatomy Matters
Now that we tackled the anatomy of a needle, why does it matter?
While most acupuncture needles share a very similar fundamental design, the differences mainly lie in the handle style, material, shaft flexibility, polishing, coating, tip, and more. The differences may seem subtle but over time, they will slowly make a difference in one’s workflow. With season practitioners, they will be able to feel the difference fairly quickly in insertion feel, tactile feedback to how the needles perform with other techniques, such as moxibustion & electroacupuncture.
This is why practitioners often develop preferences for specific brands over time, and thus it is essential to understand the anatomy of the needle. So that they can compare needle brands, select the most suitable needle for their technique.
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Unsure what needles to choose? Discover our Acupuncture Needle Guide or our blog, What Should You Consider Before Buying Acupuncture Needles?