Acupuncture needles are usually made of steel or titanium, which have a high degree of “springiness” before they yield and break. If acupuncture needles were solid, they would most likely snap during insertion, because there is too much tension on the needle as it thins at the tip. But by making them hollow, thinner at one end than the other, they are flexible enough to bend around some of the curves of the body and spring back into shape after bending.
This flexibility is important because it allows them to be inserted without too much force, while still being rigid enough not to bend in use. While there are several hypotheses about why these needles are flexible while remaining strong—such as special metals or heat treatment—no solid proof has been discovered supporting any particular hypothesis.
It’s a pretty good invention! Interesting huh? I bet you’ve never thought about where acupuncture needles come from before now. Well, this is because we live in a society that doesn’t give young people such opportunities such as getting to understand how stuff like that works (well, I’m one of the lucky ones, since my dad is an engineer but still).
Additionally, many people are scared of acupuncture needles, so I wanted to provide you with some information about them.
It’s scary because it doesn’t sound natural, even though the pain relieving effects have been proven by science. Now that you know more about acupuncture needles, hopefully, it won’t be as scary anymore.
In conclusion, acupuncture needles are flexible because they’re hollow and thinner at one end. Also, they’re usually made of steel or titanium, which have a high degree of “springiness” before they yield and break. So, they can easily bend around some of the curves of the body, and spring back into shape after bending. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article! and it has been very helpful for you.
Table of Contents
Why do they twist acupuncture needles?
According to Nedergaard, the twisting of the needles appears to cause enough damage to cause the release of the analgesic chemical by cells. Adenosine receptors on nearby nerves then pick this up and dampen the pain.
What does it mean when acupuncture points hurt?
If this is the case, the treatment is working and the acupuncture point is being activated. A heavy or electric sensation is also possible. Acupuncture points may feel warm to the touch. You should tell your acupuncturist if you experience any kind of sharp or severe pain.
How long should acupuncture needles stay in?
As long as you remain still and relaxed, the needles will remain in place for anywhere from ten to even twenty minutes in most cases. When the needles are taken out, most patients report feeling nothing.
Do acupuncture needles go into the muscle?
The depth at which the needle is inserted into the muscle will vary depending on the acupuncture point being used. The depth of a mark on the back of the neck can range from 2 to 3 centimeters, whereas the depth of a mark on the forehead can be as little as a few micrometers.
Are acupuncture needles flexible?
The needles used in acupuncture are flexible, thin, and about the same diameter as a human hair. A hypodermic needle can fit about 30 acupuncture needles! Some people feel nothing when the needle stimulates their qi, while others do (body energy).
Why is acupuncture on top of the head?
This treatment is very safe because the skull protects the brain and there are no internal organs in the scalp. Using Scalp Acupuncture, you can stimulate the brain cells that are responsible for the affected functions.
What happens to muscle during acupuncture?
Acupuncture needles are inserted into pressure points on your body to stimulate your nervous system. In the muscles, spine and brain, endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers are released. By utilizing this method, you can alter your body’s response to discomfort.
How do I know if acupuncture is working?
The needles that are actually used in acupuncture are much thinner and solid rather than hollow than those used in medicine. A dull ache or even tingling can be felt in the muscles after being pricked by the needles. You’ll be asked by your doctor to describe any feelings of extreme heaviness or numbness you’re having. In most cases, those feelings indicate that the therapy is having an effect.
Does acupuncture release toxins?
Acupuncture essentially removes any toxin-caused blockages, allowing more energy to flow throughout the body and restoring the body’s natural equilibrium.
What happens if you leave acupuncture needles in too long?
If acupuncture needles are left in too long, they will not cause any harm. Over stimulation of the points can deplete your energy, so you might feel tired afterward. Acupuncture is currently unregulated, so anyone can pick up a needle, insert it, and call it acupuncture at any point in time.
Can you overdo acupuncture?
Avoid dizziness and nausea by eating before your session, but don’t overdo it. Overeating in the hours leading up to your session can exacerbate these side effects.
Why does my acupuncturist look at my tongue?
Your tongue’s color, texture, and coating are examined by acupuncturists. In addition, the shape of your tongue can also serve as a warning sign of ill health.
How deep should acupuncture needles go?
What is the depth of the needles? Different locations and treatments necessitate different needle depths. Typically, the needles are inserted between 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch into the skin.
Does acupuncture get rid of knots?
Muscle knots can be eliminated with acupuncture and cupping. Patients with “muscle-knot” conditions may benefit from Acupuncture because it can target and loosen tight muscles directly at their source.
Is dry needling the same thing as acupuncture?
In dry needling, a strong stimulus is used on the muscles to encourage them to relax. However, acupuncture does not rely on strong stimulation and is based on the theory of channels and points to naturally heal the body.
What is the diameter of an acupuncture needle?
Acupuncture needles have a diameter of 0.00325 inches on average. The strand of hair analogy doesn’t do justice to the size of the object. Additionally, these needles are offered in three different lengths: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 inch options.
A hypodermic needle can hold approximately how many acupuncture needles.
When it comes to size and width, it all depends on where on the body you’re applying it! Acupuncture needles are actually much smaller and thinner than hypodermic needles. A single hypodermic needle can hold up to 18 acupuncture needles, so getting your blood drawn isn’t necessary.
What is the acupuncture point between the eyes?
Acupuncture points can certainly be found all over the body. Yin Tang is another common acupuncture point that you may see in images or receive during treatment. There’s also the Hall of Impressions in Yin Tang. The area that is between the eyebrows known as the third eye is known as the occipital lobe.
Do acupuncture needles go into nerves?
Acupuncture needles are actually inserted into pressure points on your body to stimulate your nervous system. In the muscles, spine and brain, endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers are released. By utilizing this method, you can alter your body’s response to discomfort.
What is YNSA?
Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA) is frequently used to treat patients with locomotor disturbances, such as pain, chronic stroke, and Parkinson’s disease, with immediate and long-lasting results.
What does it feel like when a trigger point is released?
Under your skin, you may feel the sensation of small marbles or knots known as trigger points. In many cases, pressing on trigger points does not cause any discomfort or pain to the user. Trigger points can become extremely sensitive, resulting in significant pain for some people.
What happens when a trigger point is released?
Shortened muscles have stiffness and palpable hardening along an elastic string-like band of muscle fibers running through the tender spot, which is referred to as a “twitch response” or “twitch band”.
Why do my muscles twitch during acupuncture?
Patients may experience twitching contractions of the tight muscle during trigger point acupuncture treatment. This twitching helps the muscle loosen and return to its normal tone by bringing it out of its contracted state.
Does acupuncture make you pee?
After an acupuncture session, some patients experience detox symptoms like increased urination. As many as ten times a day, some people tell me, they can’t stop peeing without drinking more water. As expected, their bloating and water retention would be greatly reduced.
Can acupuncture make things worse before better?
Acupuncture can cause some people to feel worse before they feel better. Acupuncture can leave patients feeling drained. Increased energy is a more common side effect. Your body’s fatigue after acupuncture is a warning sign.
