The Ancient Art of Medical Needles: Unearthing Treasures from the Western Zhou and Han Dynasties

December 16, 2023

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Bronze Needle

Description: Western Zhou Dynasty. Unearthed from Qijia Village, Fufeng, Shaanxi. It measures 9.2cm in length and has a triangular shape with a sharp tip. It can be used for bloodletting and treating illnesses. Currently housed in the Zhouyuan Museum, Baoji City.

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Gold and Silver Medical Needles

Description: Western Han Dynasty. Unearthed from the tomb of Prince Jing of Zhongshan in Mancheng, Hebei in 1968. There are 4 gold needles and 6 silver needles. The four gold needles are intact and exquisitely crafted, measuring 6.5 to 6.9cm in length and 0.12 to 0.18cm in diameter, thicker than the commonly used medical needles today. The needle handle is slightly square-shaped, with a circular hole at the junction of the upper middle third. The needle body is slender and round. Based on the shape of the needle tip, they can be classified into three types: triangular for bloodletting, sharp for acupuncture, and round and blunt for...

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