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Mechanical effects of needle texture on acupoint tissue
Ming-Zhu Sun1, Xin Wang2, Ying-Chen Li1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Journal of Integrative Medicine
|April 1, 2023
Summary
Needle surface texture significantly impacts acupuncture efficacy and safety. Textured needles, particularly those with patterns perpendicular to movement, enhance stimulation while minimizing tissue damage for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Acupuncture Research
Background:
- Acupuncture efficacy relies on precise stimulation of acupoints.
- Minimizing tissue damage during needle insertion is crucial for patient comfort and safety.
- Optimizing needle design can enhance therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical effects of various acupuncture needle surface textures on acupoint stimulation.
- To determine how different needle surface patterns influence tissue damage during insertion and manipulation.
- To identify optimal needle designs for enhanced acupuncture therapy.
Main Methods:
- Simulated mechanical effects of five needle models (smooth, lined, ringed, left-hand threaded, right-hand threaded) on a Zusanli (ST36) acupoint model.
- Compared tissue damage and stimulation forces during simulated skin puncturing, lifting-inserting, and twisting manipulations.
- Analyzed the relationship between needle surface patterns and mechanical interactions with tissue.
Main Results:
- Smooth and lined needles caused minimal insertion damage; threaded needles caused the most.
- Ringed, left-hand, and right-hand threaded needles provided greater stimulation during lifting-inserting.
- Lined needles offered maximal stimulation during twisting; threaded needles had varied effects based on torsion direction.
- Threaded patterns exhibited characteristics of both lined and ringed patterns.
Conclusions:
- Needle patterns perpendicular to the manipulation direction enhance acupoint stimulation.
- Ringed patterns are optimal for lifting-inserting; lined patterns excel in twisting.
- Threaded needle designs offer enhanced stimulation but require specific torsion.
- Findings guide future acupuncture needle design for improved clinical outcomes.
