Are acupuncture needles reused? Are acupuncture needles hollow? Sterile?
- Jenny Lea, L.Ac

- Aug 9, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Acupuncture needles are much finer than the needles most people think of. In fact, they’re about the width of a human hair, flexible, and designed to glide smoothly through the skin with minimal sensation. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable acupuncture feels—the experience is often described as relaxing rather than painful.
The history of acupuncture needles is just as fascinating. Early practitioners in China used sharpened stone or bone tools thousands of years ago. As metalworking advanced, bronze and gold needles appeared. Recently, archaeologists uncovered thin steel needles in a Chinese grave dating back more than 2,000 years, showing that even in ancient times, practitioners were striving for the kind of precision and refinement we use today.
Modern acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and extremely thin—making them both safe and gentle. Instead of piercing deeply, they rest lightly in place, working with your body’s natural healing systems.





Comments