Editing Acupuncture (section)

=== Needles ===
[[File:Acupuncture Needles.jpg|thumb|right|Acupuncture needles]]
[[File:Japanese kudabari.jpg|thumb|right|Traditional and modern Japanese guiding tube needles]]

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]]).<ref name=Berman2010/> Acupuncture needles are typically made of [[stainless steel]], making them flexible and preventing them from [[Rust|rusting]] or breaking.<ref name=Hicks2005/> Needles are usually disposed of after each use to prevent contamination.<ref name=Hicks2005/> Reusable needles when used should be sterilized between applications.<ref name=Hicks2005>{{cite book | first = Angela | last = Hicks | name-list-style = vanc |edition=1 |page=41 |title=The Acupuncture Handbook: How Acupuncture Works and How It Can Help You |publisher=[[Piatkus Books]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-0749924720}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Collinge |first=William J. |name-list-style=vanc |title=The American Holistic Health Association Complete guide to alternative medicine |publisher=Warner Books |location=New York |year=1996 |isbn=978-0-446-67258-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/americanholistic00coll }}</ref> In many areas, only sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are allowed, including the [[California|State of California]].<ref>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.</ref> Needles vary in length between {{convert|13|and|130|mm|in}}, with shorter needles used near the face and eyes, and longer needles in areas with thicker tissues; needle diameters vary from 0{{convert|.16|mm|3|abbr=on}} to 0{{convert|.46|mm|3|abbr=on}},<ref name=Aung116>[[#Aung2007|Aung & Chen]], 2007, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=I6NclaeDWjgC&pg=PA116 116].</ref> 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.<ref name=FCA>{{cite book| pages =[https://books.google.com/books?id=bKoMiuhSb3YC&pg=PA2 2–3] | title=Fundamentals of Chinese Acupuncture | vauthors = Ellis A, Wiseman N, Boss K | isbn=978-0912111339 | publisher=Paradigm Publications | year=1991 }}</ref>

Apart from the usual filiform needle, other needle types include three-edged needles and the Nine Ancient Needles.<ref name=Aung116/> Japanese acupuncturists use extremely thin needles that are used superficially, sometimes without penetrating the skin, and surrounded by a guide tube (a 17th-century invention adopted in China and the West). Korean acupuncture uses copper needles and has a greater focus on the hand.<ref name=Dummies>{{cite book | pages=[https://books.google.com/books?id=b6_1FOwC_GYC&pg=PA126 126–28] | title=Complementary Medicine For Dummies | last=Young | first=J | publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] | year=2007 | isbn=978-0470519684}}</ref>