What are acupuncture needles and how deeply are the needles inserted?
Acupuncture needles are sterile surgical grade steel needles. The needles used in almost all clinics in the U.S. are single use needles. This means that they come from the manufacturer in sterile packaging and are only opened immediately before insertion. The needle itself is only slightly thicker than a human hair. Acupuncture needles are solid unlike the hypodermic needles used by physicians which are hollow and cut away more tissue. Needle size and insertion depth depend upon the nature of the problem. Depths can be from 0.2 to 3 inches. Also taken into consideration are: the patient’s size, age, and constitution.
