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Acupuncture Techniques: Also known as needling techniques, refers to the use of needles and special methods to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the human body, aiming to unblock meridians, harmonize Qi and blood, and prevent and treat diseases.

So, what are the acupuncture needling techniques? Today, Teacher Xiao Yi has compiled some needling knowledge points and instructional videos from professional teachers, hoping to assist those who are currently unfamiliar with needling!

Needling Techniques

Hold the needle with the right hand,

using the thumb, index, and middle fingers to grasp the needle handle, similar to holding a brush.

Now that you are holding the needle, how do you insert it?

In clinical practice, needling is generally divided into single-handed needling and double-handed needling.

The most common and practiced method is the single-handed needling technique.

1: Single-Handed Needling Technique:

Single-handed needling is often used for shorter needles.

The hand gesture is as follows: the right hand holds the needle with the thumb and index fingers, while the middle finger is pressed against the acupuncture point, using the fingertip to support the middle of the needle body. As the thumb and index fingers apply downward force, the middle finger also bends, inserting the needle.

As shown in the image below—

Even when using the single-handed needling technique, it is necessary to use the left hand to palpate, press, and feel the area before inserting the needle. The purpose is to assess the thickness of the muscle at the insertion site, to loosen blood vessels and nerves, and to determine the direction and depth of the needle insertion.

This is referred to as “palpating the point.”

The Nanjing states: “Those who know how to needle trust their left hand, while those who do not trust their right hand.”

The Biangyou Fu also mentions, “The left hand presses heavily and often, to disperse Qi; the right hand enters lightly and slowly, to avoid pain.”

In simpler terms, while the right hand holds the needle, the role of the left hand should not be underestimated. Next, I will share a short video: the operation of the single-handed needling technique.

2: Double-Handed Needling Technique

The double-handed needling technique is further divided based on the insertion site and the type of needle used, into the following methods:

1. Finger-Cutting Needling Technique

Using the tip of the left thumb or index finger, press on the acupuncture point, while the right hand holds the needle, inserting it closely against the left fingernail into the acupuncture point.

This method is suitable for inserting short needles. Next, I will share a short video: the operation of the double-handed needling technique—Finger-Cutting Needling.

2. Pinching Needling Technique

Using the left thumb and index fingers to hold a disinfected cotton ball, pinch the lower end of the needle body, fixing the needle tip at the surface of the skin over the acupuncture point, while the right hand holds the needle and inserts it into the acupuncture point.

This method is suitable for inserting long needles.

Next, I will share a short video: the operation of the double-handed needling technique—Pinching Needling.

3. Stretching Needling Technique

Using the left index and middle fingers or thumb and index fingers to stretch the skin at the acupuncture point to make it taut.

The right hand holds the needle, inserting it between the left index and middle fingers or thumb and index fingers.

This method is mainly suitable for acupuncture points on loose skin.

Next, I will share a short video: the operation of the double-handed needling technique—Stretching Needling.

4. Lifting and Pinching Needling Technique

Using the left thumb and index fingers to lift the skin at the acupuncture point, while the right hand holds the needle, inserting it from the lifted upper end.

This method is mainly used for acupuncture points on thin skin, such as the Yintang (Hall of Impression) point.

5. Needle Tube Needling Technique

Using a prepared plastic, glass, or metal needle tube,

the tube length should be about 2-3 cm shorter than the needle to expose the needle handle.

The diameter of the tube should allow the needle tail to pass through smoothly.

During insertion, the left hand holds the needle tube, placing the needle inside, aligning the needle tip with the bottom of the tube, positioning it over the acupuncture point, with the upper end of the tube exposing 2-3 cm of the needle handle. The right index finger taps the needle tail or the middle finger flicks the needle tail,

allowing the needle to insert, then withdrawing the tube.

This method is painless and the simplest to operate, often used for children and patients who fear needles.

Specialized needle insertion devices can also be used.

(However, to properly practice the fundamentals of acupuncture, one should not rely solely on this method during learning!)

Alright, today Teacher Xiao Yi has introduced several common needling methods in clinical practice~

Mastering the single-handed needling technique lays a solid foundation; the other needling methods are just minor details!

However, methods are not rigid; they need to be applied flexibly.

Students can also combine various factors, such as the thickness and length of the needle, the location of the needling, the patient’s age and physical condition, and consider their own needling proficiency to select the appropriate needling method.

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