Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that involves the insertion of sharp sterile needles into various regions of your skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, these needles serve to balance the body's life force extremes, called chi or qi. An acupuncturist can place needles at certain meridian points to relieve such conditions as migraines, low back pain and gout (buildup of uric acid in the joints). An acupuncturist must follow specific steps to remove acupuncture needs from the skin.
Step 1
Scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them well.
Step 2
Put on latex or vinyl gloves. This will protect you from any bleeding when you remove the acupuncture needles.
Step 3
Use the index finger and thumb from of your dominant hand to gently grasp the acupuncture needle at its far end.
Step 4
Pull out the needle at a 90-degree angle to the person's skin. Do this slowly to prevent any unnecessary bleeding.
Step 5
Hold a piece of sterile gauze in your non-dominant hand and apply it to the skin where the acupuncture needle was removed. Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
Step 6
Dispose of the acupuncture needle in a safe biohazard container.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Sterile gauze
- Latex or vinyl gloves
- Biohazard container
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