Chinese Acupuncture, Nine Needles

In ancient times nine varying types of needles were used in China for acupuncture. Nine types of needles are described in Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot); filiform needle, shear needle, round-pointed needle, spoon needle, lance needle, round-sharp needle, stiletto needle, long needle and big needle. Not all of them were needles; some were in the form of small lances, others had a ball point or a triple cutting edge. The latter were also used for opening tumors or letting blood. Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, making them flexible and preventing them from rusting or breaking. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Acupuncture is believed to have originated around 100 BC in China, around the time The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing) was published, though some experts suggest it could have been practiced earlier

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12697300

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47700612

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4200px x 3366px (1.5MB)

Credit

Science Source/Mary Evans