On the depth of needle insertion / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

The statement on the depth of needle insertion is collected from Neiiing (nternal Classic) and Nanjing (Classic of Medical Problems) and the relationship of it is discussed with meridians, diseases, symptoms, location of sickness, qi and blood changes in human body, time, layers of needle insertion, reinforcing and reducing of acupuncture, etc. The factors are explored for the determination of the puncture depth, which provides the important guidance for the depth of insertion, needling sensation, reinforcing and reducing manipulations, acupuncture effect and the improvement of acupuncture efficacy. The complex and mystery of acupuncture technique focus on the control of insertion depth. In clinical practice, the increase of needle insertion depth may not induce the equal increase of efficacy. The depth of needle insertion is rather relevant with stimulation at the effective acupoint in the effective layer.