Evolution of acupuncture needles (1)
Acupuncture needles have been used for more than 2000 years and are an integral part of acupuncture in TCM treatment. Even though the number of discovered acupuncture points in the human body has remain relative the same in the past several centuries, acupuncture needles have evolved over the past century. (1)
Modern acupuncture needles (2)
Today, acupuncture needles are usually made from stainless steel and are approximately 13-70 mm depending on the type of acupuncture technique that the acupuncturist decides to perform. With the exception of acupuncture needles made from gold or silver, most acupuncture needles used nowadays are disposable. This eliminates the possible of contamination, and contracting viral and bacterial infections. To minimize pain yet without compromising the efficacy of acupuncture, needles are now made to be ultra fine and flexible. Acupuncture needles are ‘atrumatic’, meaning that they are rounded at the tip instead of the angled tips present in hypodermic needles used in western culture. Due to this unique rounded yet sharp tipped needle design, smooth penetration through the tissue is accomplished with minimal bleeding.
(2)
(2)
Reference:
1. World health organization. Updated May 3, 2013. http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jwhozip56e/2.html. Accessed July 3, 2013
2. What is acupuncture. http://www.afcinstitute.com/AboutAcupuncture/WhatisAcupuncture/tabid/73/Default.aspx. Accessed July 2, 2013
Image
1. Overview of traditional Chinese medicine. eastwesthealingcenter.net/powerpoint-TCM.ppt. Accessed July 3, 2013
2. China acupuncture needles. Updated Jun 20, 2013. http://shenling.en.made-in-china.com/productimage/fqrmyskACCVD-2f0j00reOanEJILFkl/China-Acupuncture-Needles.html. Accessed July 3, 2013
3. Acupuncture/humans and horses. Updated Sept 8, 2012. http://horsehints.org/Acupuncture.html. Accessed July 5, 2013
1. World health organization. Updated May 3, 2013. http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jwhozip56e/2.html. Accessed July 3, 2013
2. What is acupuncture. http://www.afcinstitute.com/AboutAcupuncture/WhatisAcupuncture/tabid/73/Default.aspx. Accessed July 2, 2013
Image
1. Overview of traditional Chinese medicine. eastwesthealingcenter.net/powerpoint-TCM.ppt. Accessed July 3, 2013
2. China acupuncture needles. Updated Jun 20, 2013. http://shenling.en.made-in-china.com/productimage/fqrmyskACCVD-2f0j00reOanEJILFkl/China-Acupuncture-Needles.html. Accessed July 3, 2013
3. Acupuncture/humans and horses. Updated Sept 8, 2012. http://horsehints.org/Acupuncture.html. Accessed July 5, 2013