How to choose Acupuncture Needles based on the Handles?

Originated more than 2000 years ago, acupuncture is popular today. Medical practitioners in America, UK, and other developed countries often prescribe acupuncture therapy for multiple conditions. One of the most popular alternative therapies in the Western world, acupuncture is here to stay.

The main component of the therapy is acupuncture needles. They are available in many sizes, and one can also differentiate them based on their handles. Are you confused? Let's find out why acupuncturists use varied needle handles to treat the patients.

Acupuncture Needle Handles: The Why

Acupuncture therapy is much more than inserting needles in different body parts of the patients. It involves understanding the imbalances of Qi and using the needles to manipulate the flow of Qi and restore energy balance. When an acupuncturist is conducting therapy, he/she needs to understand the patient's response and control the intensity of the needling techniques. The TCM practitioner also stimulates the acupoints with the help of electro acutherapy or moxibustion therapy. So, unique needle handles are essential for different treatment modalities. For example, plastic handles may not be suitable for needle moxa therapy.

Acupuncture Needle Handles: What Options are available on the Market?

1. Plastic Handles

Every acupuncturist has his/her preference for choosing the needles. A few of them prefer the feel and handling of plastic handles. Usually, acupuncture needles with plastic handles are quite popular among the TCM community. Plastic handles are inflexible, so they allow the acupuncturists to insert the needles easily. To ensure effortless insertion, manufacturers provide each acupuncture needle with a guiding tube. For example, Seirin J-type plastic handle acupuncture needles come in a pack of 100 needles, and each acupuncture needle has a guiding tube.

2. Copper Spiral Handles

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners often prefer acupuncture needles with copper spiral handles and a loop at the top for an easy needling technique. They are also called "classic" or "traditional" needles. Copper is a soft, malleable, and ductile material. The majority of needle manufacturing facilities in China used copper for producing acupuncture needles. It proves to be ideal for TCM practitioners who prefer flexible needle handles for a superior handling feel. Copper is a conductive metal, so it is useful for heat therapy (moxibustion) as well as electric stimulation therapy.

3. Rigid Metal Tube Handles

Japanese acupuncture needles often come with rigid metal tube handles. In comparison to Chinese copper handle needles, they are slightly more stable. Acupuncture needles with a metal handle are available in two options: ones that come with loop and others without them. Often, the needles without loops are ideal for electro acupuncture therapy because the TCM practitioner will be able to clip the electrodes to the handles easily. It is because the rigid metal handles offer a solid grip for current clamps.

4. Metal Spiral or Metal Wire Handles

Korean acupuncture therapy includes the use of acupuncture needles with metal spiral handles (stainless steel). There are two categories of Korean-style spring handle acupuncture needles: with eyelets and without eye loops. For example, Unisharp spring handle needles and DBC Spring Ten Korean needles are sterile acupuncture needles without eye loop.

Similar to copper handle needles, the metal-spiral ones are good for heat therapy as well as electro-acupuncture treatment. A TCM practitioner will be able to attach the electrodes easily to the metal handles and perform the treatment effectively.

The metal wire handles are more rigid than the acupuncture needles with copper handles, but they are more flexible than metal tube handles.

5. Gold-Plated and Silver-Plated Needle Handles

Traditional TCM practitioners make frequent use of gold-plated and silver-plated needle handles for acupuncture therapy. Often, such needles are ideal for auricular therapy and electro-acupuncture. Gold and silver have the potential to unlock the energies in the body and heal the patients effectively. For example, Silverstar acupuncture needles have a silver-coated handle to address the special needs of acupuncturists.

The Final Word.

Now that you know all about the different types of handles available for acupuncture needles, the choice becomes simple. Your decision depends on your preference and the kind of treatment you have chosen for the patient. No matter what material you select for the handles, buy high-quality acupuncture needles that do not cause too much pain to the patient.

Choosing a cheaply-made acupuncture needle can cause the handle to break during the appointment. It can harm the patient as well as damage your reputation as an acupuncturist. So, it is essential to select the right acupuncture needle handle that is compatible with the treatment. Always buy acupuncture needles from a reliable acupuncture wholesale store to get quality products at discounted prices.

Buy authentic acupuncture needles for your holistic healing practice. Whether it is Hy-Chi plastic handle acupuncture needles or Unisharp spring handle needles; make your purchase online to save money!