How deeply are the needles inserted?
The special needles used in acupuncture are not inserted deeply. The acupoints are located just under the skin. Will the needles cause me to bleed? In the hands of a qualified acupuncturist, bleeding is an uncommon complication. In one six-year study conducted at an acupuncture clinic in Japan, there were fewer than two dozen incidents of minor blood loss and “black-and-blue” marks as a result of injury to blood vessels. What happens after the needles are inserted? After insertion, the acupuncturist begins needling the acupoints (the term used to describe manipulation of the needles after insertion) at an angle of 15 to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface, depending on the treatment. Needling techniques include raising and thrusting, twirling or rotation, a combination of raising/thrusting and rotation, plucking, scraping (vibrations sent through the needle) and trembling (another vibration technique). The needling technique is selected based on the ailment. In addition to needling
