Acupuncture Needle Specifications & Usage

• Material: Usually stainless steel, which is flexible and prevents breakage.
• Dimensions:
  • Length: Ranges from 10 mm to 130 mm.
  • Diameter: Varies from 0.16 mm to 0.46 mm.
• Types: Standard filiform needles are most common, though three-edged needles are also used.
• Usage: Needles are typically sterile and single-use to prevent infection.
• Application: Shorter needles are used on the face/head, while longer needles are used in areas with thicker tissue. 

Treatment Specifications

• Technique: Manual manipulation (lifting, thrusting, twisting) or electroacupuncture (applying low-level electrical currents).
• Duration: Needles are often left in place for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Target Areas: Specific acupoints (meridians) located across the body (head, neck, back, hands, legs).
• Adjunct Techniques: Sometimes combined with moxibustion (heat), cupping, or acupressure. 

Safety and Clinical Guidelines

• Sterility: Single-use, pre-sterilized needles are mandatory in many jurisdictions (e.g., California).
• Contraindications: Patients with bleeding disorders, taking anticoagulants, or with metal allergies should consult a provider.
• Safety: Serious side effects, such as punctured organs or infections, are very rare when performed by a qualified practitioner. 

For detailed research-oriented or standardized records, specific guidelines for electronic medical records (EMR) have been developed.