Needle History
Ancient needles - Bian Shi - made from stone and used for acu-pressure like stimulation
Filiform Needle Description
O=====--------
1 2 3 4 5
1) Tail
2) Handle
3) Root
4) Body
5) Point/Tip
Needle types and Indications
- Metal
- Golden - Heavy Metal, Calms the shen, enters heart meridians
- Silver - Cool Metal, Good for inflammations and cooling - Can not be used with electricity due to potential of blood poisoning
- Stainless Steal - Currently most often used (disposable one time use) due to strength, non-corrosive nature, and cost
Needle Properties
Gauge of needle affects stimulus on patient
(smaller number = larger diameter)
26-32 Gauge generally used, 34 and 36 also available
.45mm - .26mm, .22mm - .19mm
30 and 32 most commonly used
.32mm, .26mm
Thinner needles are often inserted using insertion tubes
(usually 4mm shorter than needle length)
Length depends on location of point
1-3 cun more frequently used
13mm - 75mm in length
(.5 cun = 15 mm, 1 cun = 25 mm)
Basic Office Needs
- Needles
- Running Water
- Sharps container - Red Box
- Bio Medical Waste - Red Box (often requires county license)
- Clean Field (area for equipment)
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Cotton Balls
- Forceps
Training
- Mind - Shen
- Qi
- Finger force - ability to insert and twirl needles
Preparation
- Needles should be inspected before use
Burrs on needle can be detected by sliding cotton over needle
Handles should be checked to be firmly attached
- Point location dabbed with cotton swab of 70% alcohol
Patient Positions
According to technique and patient needs
- Sitting in flexion (back flexed)
- Sitting with elbows resting on table
- Lateral recumbent (on side)
- Supine posture (on back)
- Prone posture (on stomach)
Needling Phases
- Initial penetration
- Obtaining Point's Depth - Do not bring needle all the way to root
- Obtaining/Arrival of Qi
Any of:
- Like a fish pulling on a line
- Sensation Felt by Patient - Sore, numb, heavy or distension
- Reddening of area around point
Needle Angles
- Perpendicular - 90� (anything over 60�)
- Oblique - 45� (30�-60�)
- Horizontal/Transverse - 10�-20� (even up to 30�)
Insertion Techniques
Use one of:
- Nail guard - Press next to location with nail
- Two handed - Both hands apply downward motion
- Skin stretch
- Skin pinch
- Stab
- Tube tap
Removal Techniques
Use all 3:
- Slight rotation - prevents sticking
- Delay just below skin - prevents bleeding
- Cotton ball held on point after withdrawal
When on face - Use in addition one of:
- Place cold spoon immediately after removal
- Rub with cream after removal
- Hold 3 minutes cotton ball on removal
Patient Needling Precaution
Do not rinse area with cold water for at least 2 hours on puncture points or half an hour with warm or hot water. |
