The most common mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles, which are manipulated manually or the needle may be further stimulated by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture). Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, making them flexible and preventing them from rusting or breaking. Needles are usually disposed of after each use to prevent contamination. Reusable needles when used should be sterilized between applications. In many areas, only sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are allowed, including the State of California, USA.Department of Consumer Affairs, California Acupuncture Board. Title 16, Article 5. Standards of Practice, 1399.454. Single Use Needles. www.acupuncture.ca.gov/pubs_forms/laws_regs/art5.shtml 1-10-2020. Needles vary in length between , with shorter needles used near the face and eyes, and longer needles in areas with thicker tissues; needle diameters vary from 0 to 0,Aung & Chen, 2007, p. 116. with thicker needles used on more robust patients. Thinner needles may be flexible and require tubes for insertion. The tip of the needle should not be made too sharp to prevent breakage, although blunt needles cause more pain.
The most common mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles which are manipulated manually or the needle may be further stimulated by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture) Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel making them flexible and preventing them from rusting or breaking Needles are usually disposed of after each use to prevent contamination Reusable needles when used should be sterilized between applications In many areas only sterile single-use acupuncture needles are allowed including the State of California USADepartment of Consumer Affairs California Acupuncture Board Title 16 Article 5 Standards of Practice 1399454 Single Use Needles wwwacupuncturecagov/pubs_forms/laws_regs/art5shtml 1-10-2020 Needles vary in length between  with shorter needles used near the face and eyes and longer needles in areas with thicker tissues; needle diameters vary from 0 to 0Aung & Chen 2007 p 116 with thicker needles used on more robust patients Thinner needles may be flexible and require tubes for insertion The tip of the needle should not be made too sharp to prevent breakage although blunt needles cause more pain