Acupuncture has been with us for thousands of years, however, in recent years it has become a more popular treatment option to accompany regular therapy. Acupuncture treatment is a great option for people that suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, and more. If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you’re likely going to have some questions. Almost everyone does. Keep reading to find out what you should know about the ancient art of acupuncture. In this article, we outline what type of needle is traditionally used today and which needles were used in more ancient times.

What Type Of Needles Are Used for Acupuncture?

About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of alternative health therapy. Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can be prescribed or optioned to treat chronic pain, frequent headaches/migraines, muscle tension, and many other conditions.

The art of acupuncture has existed for thousands of years, but its use has spread across the modern world in recent centuries. Recent decades have brought more serious clinical studies and a wider appeal to different types of acupuncture.

Although you might not have heard about acupuncture from a doctor in the eighties or nineties, modern doctors will now often recommend acupuncture as a suitable alternative treatment – and many people seek it out themselves.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a simple treatment that can be done in just a few minutes. However, acupuncture treatment requires an expert who is well-trained in the art. Improper acupuncture needle placement can potentially be dangerous, and might even carry additional risks like injury or nerve damage.

If you want to book an acupuncture session, seek out an acupuncturist with experience and references. Though reviews won’t tell you everything, they can provide a good frame of reference for how happy their customers are!

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the deliberate insertion of special acupuncture needles (stainless steel), carefully inserted to target certain pathways in the body. For example, needles placed at specific points of the body aid in pain relief and/or relieve other patient symptoms.

Usually, before an actual treatment session, there will be a short consultation with your specialist to ensure the desired and best results. This will help your acupuncturist determine each acupuncture point.

Does Acupunture Hurt?

Acupuncture should never hurt when done correctly. While you might feel the insertion of a needle, it’s thinner than the average sewing needle – and in fact, it’s much thinner than most injections you will find, too.

What Type of Needles Are Used for Acupuncture?

Acupuncture doesn’t just use any type of needle. In fact, acupuncture requires that have been medically designed and tested for the right use. Acupuncture needles, called filiform needles, are much thinner. This allows a practitioner to control exactly how the needle behaves as it is inserted or removed.

Several hundreds of years ago, earlier examples of acupuncture needles exist. However, initially, the needles were made from stone and weren’t as medically refined as the acupuncture needles we see today.

Although acupuncture knowledge is ancient, we’re certainly glad that the type of needles they use are new!

Southlake Natural Family Wellness

Our mission is to support the health and well-being of our patients by offering individualized, comprehensive holistic care including acupuncture, herbal recommendations, customized nutritional counseling, allergy elimination (NAET), whole food supplements, lifestyle suggestions, moxibustion, and cupping, as well as helping couples get pregnant and STAY pregnant by supporting all the paths to conception.

About Farrah Hamraie

Farrah Hamraie, L.Ac, MOM, Dipl.OM (NCCAOM), is licensed and board-certified in Acupuncture and Herbal medicine in the State of Texas with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine. She is also a Diplomat of NCCAOM (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), a Board Certified Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, and a member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine.