Acupuncture by definition means “a form of primary health care, based on traditional Chinese medical concepts and modern Oriental medical techniques, that employs acupuncture diagnosis and treatment, as well as adjunctive therapies and diagnostic techniques, for the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health and the prevention of disease.”
There are literally thousands of acupuncture points located throughout the body. However, Doctors of Oriental Medicine will generally choose from the 400 standard acupuncture points to treat most medical conditions.
Acupuncture needles and other Oriental Medical instruments come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Listed below are a few basic examples:
- Standard acupuncture needle – This acupuncture needle is generally used every day in an Oriental medical clinic. The average length will range from 1/2 inch to 3 inches.
- Long acupuncture needle – This acupuncture needle is generally used less frequently. The average length will range from 3 1/2 inches to 1 foot long.
- Cutaneous needle – This needle is made up of several small needles bundled together and attached to a handle.
- Intra dermal needle – This needle is short in length (about .03 cm long). This needle is inserted, a band aid is then placed on top and will generally be left in place for a few days.
- Lancet needle – This type of needle is used to cut or puncture the skin.
- Hypodermic needle – This type of needle is used to inject different medicinals.