An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture: The Safe Needling Depth and the Needling Depth of Clinical Efficacy

Abstract

Objective. To explore the existing scientific information regarding safe needling depth of acupuncture points and the needling depth of clinical efficacy. Methods. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify relevant monographs and related references from 1991 to 2013. Chinese journals and theses/dissertations were hand searched. Results. 47 studies were recruited and divided into 6 groups by measuring tools, that is, MRI, in vivo evaluation, CT, ultrasound, dissected specimen of cadavers, and another group with clinical efficacy. Each research was analyzed for study design, definition of safe depth, and factors that would affect the measured depths. Depths of clinical efficacy were discussed from the perspective of de-qi and other clinical observations. Conclusions. Great inconsistency in depth of each point measured from different subject groups and tools exists. The definition of safe depth should be established through standardization. There is also lack of researches to compare the clinical efficacy. A well-designed clinical trial selecting proper measuring tools to decide the actual and advisable needling depth for each point, to avoid adverse effects or complications and promote optimal clinical efficacy, is a top priority.

Naturopathic medicine in India

“…Acupuncture is a family of procedures involving the penetration of specific superficial anatomic locations on the skin called acupuncture points by thin, solid, generally metallic needles . In the last 100 years, acupuncture has become one of the most popular complementary and alternative therapies in the world . It is widely used in the treatment of paralysis, painful conditions, motor neurone lesions and neurological conditions.…”

“…24 In the last 100 years, acupuncture has become one of the most popular complementary and alternative therapies in the world. 25 It is widely used in the treatment of paralysis, painful conditions, motor neurone lesions and neurological conditions. Acupuncture would appear also to be beneficial for the symptomatic management of Parkinson's disease.…”

Is Acupuncture Efficacious for Treating Phonotraumatic Vocal Pathologies? A Randomized Control Trial

“…The needling depth is typically about 13 mm for Zhaohai, Hegu and Lianquan and 5-8 mm for Lieque and Renyin acupoints 33 . Stimulation was applied by twirling the needles once every five minutes for 30 minutes.…”

Percepção dos efeitos da acupuntura auricular sobre o estresse em recepcionistas de um complexo hospitalar

“…A redução de estresse, a melhora do humor e do sono, são citados como efeitos positivos da terapia com acupuntura. 15,16 Em um estudo realizado com animais, a técnica demonstrou ser capaz de atuar no comportamento cognitivo destes pela modulação dos sinais neurais, entretanto o mecanismo de ação não está ainda muito bem descrito. 17 Há poucos estudos que abordam a acupuntura e redução de estresse especificamente entre a classe de trabalhadoras, o que por si justifica o interesse deste estudo.…”

“…17 Há poucos estudos que abordam a acupuntura e redução de estresse especificamente entre a classe de trabalhadoras, o que por si justifica o interesse deste estudo. 15,16 O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a percepção dos efeitos da acupuntura auricular sobre o estresse em um grupo de recepcionistas de um complexo hospitalar. Inicialmente comprometeram-se a participar do estudo 60 recepcionistas, entretanto devido a um processo de reajustes internos que culminou em demissões e transferências para outros setores, a amostra final contou com 24 participantes.…”