Choose Needles

    Which acupuncture needle to choose?

    There is no single type of needle that fits all but there is a type of needle that is right for every situation, depending on the patient and type of treatment.

    The length and diameter of acupuncture needle to be used depends on the preference of the acupuncturist and the part of the body being treated. In general, shorter needles are used for the face and ears while longer and thicker needles are recommended for the back and backside.

    The needles are mostly very thin, varying from 0.12 mm to 0.40 mm in diameter. It is a common belief that Chinese acupuncture techniques tend to favour thicker needles than Japanese techniques. The length refers to the length of pointer body, not including the needle handle. The most common lengths are 25 and 30 mm.

    With over 25 years of experience, HEGU offers high quality, safe and reliable acupuncture needles. The HEGU range of acupuncture needles offers different types and handles (plastic / steel / copper) to suit all user requirements on the market.

    Here are the most common types of needles:

     

    Chinese-style needle

    The traditional, classic acupuncture needle, often referred to as a Chinese type of needle, is made of stainless steel and in filiform type copper handle with a loop at the end, consisting of 3 or 4 threads. This is to enhance the manipulation techniques during treatment. The Chinese-style needle type has a rounded needle tip.

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    Japanese-style needle

    Japanese acupuncturists invented the guide tube to help focus the tip of the needle. This type of needle features a plastic handle on the needle that is sealed to the guide tube. By twisting the handle, the needle is freed from the guide tube and easily inserted to the body. The Japanese needle type are also available without guide tube. The Japanese-style needle type has a conical needle tip.

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    Korean-style needle

    Korean acupuncture needle manufacturers invented the spring type handle in the 20th century. It is considered less complicated, thus more efficient to produce. Most therapists refer to the needles with a spring type handle as a “Korean needle”. The Korean-style needle type has a conical needle tip.

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    It is the responsibility of the therapist to know and comply with all local laws and regulations relating to his or her scope of practice with regards to acupuncture or dry needling in their jurisdiction. Note: Hegu acupuncture needles are for single use only!

     

    Regulations

    The manufacturing and labelling of acupuncture needles must meet defined standards and requirements. All HEGU needles are sterile and disposable, manufactured to the highest quality and security standards according to the Medical Devices Directive (MDD) 93/42/EEC and labelled for single use and with an expiry date.