While many people claim to be afraid of needles, many Americans are turning to acupuncture for their health concerns. In fact, 3.1 million U.S. adults and 150,000 children had acupuncture in 1996 alone, according to a National Health Interview Survey. For over 2,000 years, a variety of acupuncture needles have been used to help patients with conditions such as headache, back pain and arthritis. While acupuncture needles have evolved from those made of bone and bamboo to single-use stainless steel, the practice in which they are used has hardly changed.
History
Acupuncture needles are first mentioned in the "Yellow Emperor's Internal Canon of Medicine," a medical classic summarizing Chinese medical knowledge before the Qin and Han Dynasties from 221 B.C. to 220 A.D. This book records nine metallic needles of varying shapes and functions. An archeological dig in 1968 in Mancheng County, Hebei Province, confirmed the use of these tools when five silver and four gold needles were found in a tomb buried in 113 B.C.
Needle Types
The nine needles used in ancient China had a variety of uses including puncturing, surgical incision and massage. These ancient needles are similar in shape to their modern, stainless-steel counterparts. Only the surgical needle is not used in acupuncture practice today. Six of the nine ancient needles can be compared to today's filiform needle. Used for superficial insertion into the skin, these needles now vary in thickness from 0.12 to 0.40 mm and in length from 13 to 125 mm. The remaining needles are a blunt massaging needle and a three-edged needle used for bleeding. Needles also used today include the plum blossom needle -- shaped like a small, plastic hammer -- for stimulating blood flow and semipermanent ear needles, which can be left in for several days.
Function
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific anatomical points to improve the health and well-being of the patient. Due to its growing popularity, acupuncture research in the U.S. has increased. Some studies have shown acupuncture to relieve pain and reduce nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. Scientists are still working to determine exactly how acupuncture works. Some believe it affects the nervous system and how the body perceives pain, while others think it affects the body's release of chemicals to regulate blood flow.
Safety
The FDA classifies acupuncture needles as a Class II medical device, and their use is regulated by the government. Practitioners must use needles that are sterile and single-use only. Acupuncture needles are only to be sold to and used by qualified practitioners. Self-administered acupuncture is not recommended for safety reasons; improper use can result in injury and infection.
Considerations
Ask your doctor if acupuncture is right for you. Be sure to look for a licensed practitioner and ask to see his license. Talk to your acupuncturist about how many treatments you might need, what the cost will be and whether your insurance will cover the treatments. Today more insurance companies are covering acupuncture. Remember, regardless of your condition, acupuncture is not a substitute for the medical care provided by your primary physician.
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