Acupuncture Supplies, Needles, Tools & Equipment

Although seemingly similar, dry needling and acupuncture are two very different treatments. Acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese practice of placing needles along ‘meridian’ lines intended to connect the body’s internal organs and other systems. This process is believed to restore balance and proper flow of energy throughout the body and is used to treat internal ailments like digestive disorders, stress and chronic pain.

Dry needling however was developed in the 1980’s based on modern Western medicine. Dry needles are inserted into trigger points, or tender bands of muscle located within larger muscles which then triggers a release response and returns the targeted area to normal function. Dry needling is traditionally used to resolve both acute and chronic pain without the need for surgical or medicinal intervention.

Since most acupuncture points are located close to the skin's surface, the needles are typically inserted between 1/16th to a few inches deep. The insertion depth depends on a number of factors including the individual patient’s size and age, the condition being treated and the site selections for treatment.

Acupuncture needles produce a unique sensation that Chinese medicine calls de qi often described as a vibration that makes patients fall into a state of deep relaxation.

Keeping acupuncture supplies sanitary is critical to a safe working environment for both acupuncturists and patients. The best way to ensure client safety is to use single-use needles and follow the established guidelines of the ‘Clean Needle Technique.’ This one-day course teaches the best practices for acupuncture supplies including but not limited to those needed for cupping therapy, gua sha, moxibustion, electroacupuncture, press tacks, intradermal needles, ear seeds and other acupuncture related tools.

Acupuncture tacks are often used as either an alternative therapy or a continuation of treatment and may remain in place anywhere from a few hours to multiple days. Body and ear tacks therapies provide the unique benefit of repetitive and ongoing healing influences for patients with time constraints or with long term needs.