Clinical considerations when it comes to selecting acupuncture needles makes up a small list. Acupuncturists generally should have at least two types of needles available – a high-end lubricated brand and a hypo-allergenic option, it is also as known as coated and non-coated acupuncture needles.
A higher-end lubricated acupuncture needle can be comforting to patients who are ill at ease with the insertion process. If you have a client who does not enjoy needles or someone who is trying acupuncture for the first time, these needles are the ones most likely to provide an experience void of discomfort or pain. This pays off for them as they walk away feeling good regarding their treatment and they’re more likely to return for another session in the future.
At the same time, outgoing expenses are no doubt a concern at any medical clinic. Stocking some high-end lubricated acupuncture needles is a recommendation but they should be used as-needed. A practitioner will probably want to use mid-grade needles for generalized acupuncture, helping to minimize costs.
Arriving at the point where you need to choose an acupuncture needles brand, the patient always comes first. Choose what suits the patient’s needs. Consider their personal situation and match the needle to the presentation or experience they are expecting. If they have a tight muscle group or are extremely nervous, a standard run-of-the-mill needle is probably going to result in pain and discomfort trying for insertion. A lubricated needle would be a better fit, in that case. Alternatively, if a patient has allergic tendencies, a hypoallergenic needle is evidently the best option.
It’s worth noting that there are many different types of acupuncture needles in Canada. In ancient China, there were at least nine different types. For most practitioners, they’ll keep things easy with stainless steel acupuncture needles as their go-to. Select the gauges you want, the length, and always have a few brands to pull from. There are also specialized needles you may prefer, such as three-edged needles which aims to puncture specific points while removing a minimal amount of blood. Other specialized needles include intradermal needles, seven-star needles, press needles, and ear seeds – these all have a purpose.
The best acupuncture needles to buy are those that are high quality and which are sourced from reliable suppliers. The takeaway here is to maintain your acupuncture clinic well stocked with at least two needle brands. This helps you to customize treatments to maximize the chance of a positive outcome in every patient. At the end of the day, when a treatment is perceived as successful, you have a happy patient likely to return to your clinic and/or recommend it to others. This is ultimately what makes a successful practice.