Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has recently grown in popularity due to its purported pain-relieving, stress-reducing, and overall health-promoting effects. If you want your acupuncture patients to feel safe, and comfortable, and get the most out of their treatments, you need to be careful when choosing the needles you use.
With so many options, it might be difficult to narrow down the acupuncture needles to the ones that would work best for you and your patients. Please read this information carefully so that you may make an educated decision for your acupuncture practice regarding the needles you use.
1. Material of the Acupuncture Needles
Stainless steel, silver, and gold are the three main materials used to make acupuncture needles. There are pros and cons to each material; picking one will come down to your acupuncture technique and the demands of your patients.
Stainless Steel Needles
When doing acupuncture, these are the needles that are most often utilized. The majority of acupuncturists prefer using stainless steel needles because they are long-lasting, affordable, and corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, they ensure a consistent and painless insertion, which is of the utmost importance to the patient.
Silver Needles
According to traditional Chinese medicine, silver needles can improve the body’s qi (energy) flow. Patients may find them more pleasant because of their softer texture compared to stainless steel, but they are also more costly and more easily bent.
Gold Needles
Treatments that call for the promotion of energy flow may make use of gold needles, which are thought to have a warming impact. They can be more of a pain to work with than needles made of stainless steel or silver because of their weight and high price.
2. Gauge and Diameter of Acupuncture Needles
Another important consideration when picking out acupuncture needles is the gauge or thickness. For more sensitive treatments, such as face acupuncture, needles with lower diameters are usually preferred since they are less unpleasant for patients. When working on deeper muscles or bigger areas, thicker needles could be required.
Thin Needles (0.12mm – 0.20mm)
Those who are pain-sensitive or have never had acupuncture before will find these to be the most comfortable. You can put them on your face, ears, and hands with complete peace of mind.
Medium Needles (0.22mm – 0.25mm)
The majority of acupuncture treatments use them as the typical size. They are appropriate for a variety of therapies and offer a happy medium between comfort and efficacy.
Thick Needles (0.30mm and above)
In musculoskeletal therapies, where stronger stimulation is needed, these needles are utilized for deeper insertions. Although they are necessary for some therapies, they can make some patients more uncomfortable than others.
3. Length of Acupuncture Needles
The depth of insertion and the area of the body to be treated determines the length of the acupuncture needles. For the treatment to be effective and the patient to be safe, choosing the right length is essential.
Short Needles (13mm – 25mm)
These work wonderfully on the face, ears, and hands because of the thinner tissues there. For individuals who are anxious about or sensitive to acupuncture, shorter needles can help alleviate their fears.
Medium Needles (30mm – 50mm)
In general, these are the lengths that acupuncturists employ. You can use them on your back, arms, legs, and torso, among many other places.
Long Needles (60mm – 75mm)
When treating areas with more tissue, like the back, hips, or thighs, long needles are utilized. They are commonly employed for procedures that necessitate a deeper penetration into the muscle tissue, such as deep insertions.
Extra-long needles (80mm and above)
When treating significant musculoskeletal disorders or patients with larger body types, these needles are utilized since they require very deep entry.
4. Handle Style and Grip
In acupuncture, the handle is crucial for the practitioner’s dexterity and control over the needle. Your choice of handle style should be based on your preference and the techniques you use in your practice. Different styles give different levels of grip and comfort.
Metal Handles
Stainless steel needles often have these handles, which are both comfortable and durable. For procedures requiring exact control over the insertion and manipulation of the needle, they are frequently chosen by practitioners.
Plastic Handles
Long treatments or practitioners who prefer a softer grip will find plastic handles perfect due to their lightweight and comfort. They might not be as precise, though, as handles made of metal.
Spiral Handles
When performing techniques that involve twisting or turning the needle, practitioners find that spiral handles offer a stronger grip. Using them can make treatments that last longer much more bearable for the hands.
Looped Handles
To make handling and manipulation of the needle simpler during treatment, certain acupuncture needles have a looped grip on top. Japanese acupuncture procedures frequently employ them.
5. Sterilization and Safety Considerations
Prioritizing cleanliness and safety is key when choosing acupuncture needles. To keep patients safe and reduce the likelihood of infection, always use pre-sterilized, single-use needles. The use of reusable needles in contemporary acupuncture is largely discouraged due to the high risk they pose to patients’ health.
Pre-sterilized, Single-Use Needles
The manufacturer sterilizes these needles before packaging them individually. Because of these, re-sterilization is no longer necessary, and the possibility of cross-contamination between patients is diminished.
Disposable Needles
The majority of modern acupuncture clinics utilize disposable needles since they are ideal for single-use procedures. A variety of sizes, materials, and handle types are available, providing practitioners with a safe and convenient option.
Find the Perfect Needle for Your Practice
Numerous considerations must be made when selecting acupuncture needles for one’s practice. With the correct needles, you can elevate your practice by making treatments more effective and enhancing the patient experience. To find the ideal needle, buy acupuncture needles online and see what will work best for you.
You may improve your practice’s effectiveness and the quality of care you give your patients by taking the time to choose acupuncture needles that are ideal for your needs.
