Traditional acupuncture needles are used in the traditional Chinese medicine healing art of acupuncture. Traditional Chinese medicine is a whole-body system of health that asserts disease is the product of imbalances in the body. Acupuncture needles stimulate the body to restore balance and allow the body to fix itself. When used properly, the needles are almost always painless and, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, can assist in healing dysfunction of the muscles, joints, organs, tissues and mind. Visit your doctor to see if acupuncture complements your health and wellness needs.
Use
Traditional acupuncture needles are used to stimulate specific points along meridians on the body. Meridians are pathways of energy. Each is associated with an organ, although the physical path of the meridian and the functions its points control may seem unrelated to the organ from a Western perspective. Licensed acupuncturists insert the needles into your skin gently, using a light touch and sometimes incorporating a twisting motion to enhance the positive effect. The needles enter the skin just deep enough to stimulate the point without falling out. They stay in your skin for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes or longer.
Design
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture is one of the oldest healing arts in the world. Traditional acupuncture needles today are made of stainless steel, but centuries ago, they were made from bones, stone or metals, including silver and gold. They are extremely thin and sometimes include a similarly fine handle or grip to make insertion and removal easier and less likely to cause pain. Needles must be solid.
Regulation
As of 1996, traditional acupuncture needles are regulated in the United States as medical devices by Title 21, Volume 8 of Federal Code. The regulation says they must be solid stainless steel, labeled for single use and sterile. Only licensed acupuncturists may purchase and use traditional acupuncture needles. Each state licenses acupuncturists independently. State laws as to the use of traditional acupuncture needles may narrow the permissions and vary by state.
Alternatives
Alternatives to traditional acupuncture needles exist for those who may have just had surgery, have metal implants, cannot risk infection for medical reasons or who are simply unable to overcome a fear of needles. Dr. Peter Dorsher with the Mayo Clinic recommends laser light therapy in place of traditional acupuncture needles. The lasers penetrate skin up to 3 inches below the surface in order to stimulate points without piercing the skin. Acupressure, the art of applying specific, manual pressure to points, may also have the same results as traditional acupuncture.
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