How big are acupuncture needles?

Written By Lin Duffyhill

A question I get a lot is “how big are the needles that you use?”

Pretty small! I use needles that range from 0.12mm-0.25mm at the thickest. I most commonly use needles that are 0.18mm for 80% of what I’m needling or 0.22mm for tissues at a deeper level (i.e. glutes or hips). Length will also vary depending on the tissue I am trying to target and size of the patient. This will usually range from half an inch up to 4 inches.

  • 0.12mm & 0.14mm are typically used for facial acupuncture

  • 0.16mm are typically used for auricular (ear) or face points

  • 0.18mm-0.20mm used for general body points

  • 0.22mm-0.25mm used for tissue located deeper in the body

Photo shows needles sizing (from left to right) at 0.14mm, 0.16mm, 0.18mm, 0.20mm, 0.22mm, 0.25mm and an incense stick and match stick for reference.

 
Lin Duffyhill
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