Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
04:50
Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
Safe needling depth of acupuncture points
Pei-Chi Chou1, Heng-Yi Chu, Jaung-Geng Lin
1School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Summary
This review found inconsistent safe needling depths for acupuncture points across studies. Further clinical trials are needed to establish accurate depths and prevent adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
- Clinical Anatomy
Background:
- Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- Determining safe needling depth is crucial for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
- Existing data on acupuncture point needling depths lacks standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze existing scientific literature on the safe needling depths of acupuncture points.
- To identify inconsistencies and gaps in current knowledge regarding acupuncture needling parameters.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major biomedical databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, AMED, NCCAM, CNKI) from 1991-2009.
- Inclusion of relevant monographs and hand-searched Chinese journals.
- Analysis of 33 studies focusing on study design, acupuncture points, safe depth definitions, measurement methods, and de qi phenomenon.
Main Results:
- Significant variability observed in measured safe needling depths across different subject groups and methodologies.
- Factors influencing needling depth, including demographics, anatomical location, and needling angle, were examined.
- Data on specific needling depths for individual acupuncture points were compiled.
Conclusions:
- There is a notable lack of consensus regarding the safe needling depths for acupuncture points.
- The heterogeneity in measurement techniques and subject populations contributes to inconsistent findings.
- A well-designed clinical trial is warranted to establish definitive safe needling depths for each acupuncture point, thereby minimizing risks of adverse events.
