The structure of the filiform needle can be divided into five parts: the needle tip, needle body, needle root, needle handle, and needle tail.
The needle tip is the sharp end of the needle body, also known as the needle point; the needle body is the main part between the needle tip and the needle handle, also referred to as the needle shaft; the part connecting the needle body and the needle handle is called the needle root; the part of the needle body where the practitioner exerts force is called the needle handle; the end part of the handle is known as the needle tail. The needle handle and needle tail are often wrapped with copper or silver wire in a spiral or cylindrical shape, and the shapes of the needle handle can vary, including loop handle, flower handle, flat handle, and tube handle. The main function of the needle handle is to facilitate force application, which is beneficial for needle insertion. The flower handle, also known as the coiled dragon needle, is thicker and is often used for fire needling, which helps dissipate heat and prevents burning during use.
Specifications
The specifications of filiform needles are primarily distinguished by the diameter and length of the needle body. Generally, in clinical practice, needles of sizes 28 to 30 (0.32 to 0.38 mm) and lengths of 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50 mm) are most commonly used. Short needles are often used for ear acupuncture and shallow needling, while long needles are used for deep needling in areas with thick muscle and for certain points requiring transverse needling.
Inspection
Filiform needles are tools for treating diseases, and they must be inspected before use to avoid affecting the insertion and treatment outcomes. During inspection, attention should be paid to:
The needle tip should be straight and not skewed, rounded but not blunt, free of barbs, with high smoothness, and shaped like a “pine needle” to minimize insertion resistance and prevent dullness; the needle body should be smooth, straight, round, uniform, strong, and elastic; the needle root should be secure, without erosion or scars.
The metal wire of the needle handle should be evenly wrapped, secure, and not loose or broken, with the length and thickness of the needle handle being moderate for easy handling.
Storage
Proper storage of needles is essential to prevent damage to the needle tip, bending of the needle body, rusting, or contamination. Therefore, needles should be stored properly. Storage devices include needle boxes, needle tubes, and needle clamps. When using a needle box or needle clamp, several layers of sterilized gauze should be placed, and the sterilized needles should be arranged according to their lengths on or inserted into the gauze, then covered with sterilized gauze to prevent contamination, and finally, the needle box or clamp should be securely closed for future use.
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