Subcutaneous needle is a small needle made of extremely fine stainless steel wire. The needle is only 1-2 centimeters long and is inserted into the subcutaneous layer to treat various chronic diseases. It is a type of long-acting needle therapy, with two types: granular type and tacking type.
(1) Granular type: The needle is generally about 1 centimeter long, with a handle shaped like a grain or a ring, and the needle body and the handle are in a straight line.
(2) Tacking type: The tacking needle has a fine needle tip hanging below a metal circular bead, similar to a thumbtack. It is suitable for long-acting needle therapy on vertical and shallow ear acupuncture points to treat various chronic diseases. Since this tacking needle has a ring-shaped needle tail, after the needle body is inserted into the skin, the needle tail will not be pulled into the skin due to the movement of the body. At the same time, the ring-shaped needle tail is flat and large, so there is no need to use special tools when inserting it into the skin. Just press it with your fingers and it will penetrate. After it is hidden, it will be flat and adhere well, so it is widely used.
Granular type subcutaneous needle Tacking type subcutaneous needle
[Operating Method]
1. Before needling, both the needle and the skin (acupuncture point) should be disinfected as usual.
2. Granular type subcutaneous needle: Use the thumb and index finger of the left hand to press the skin above and below the acupuncture point, and slightly apply force to stretch and fix the skin at the needling site. Use small tweezers to hold the handle of the needle, and insert the needle into the dermis along the subcutaneous layer. The needle body can be buried parallel to the subcutaneous layer for 0.5-1.0 cm. After the subcutaneous needle is inserted into the skin, paste a small square (1.0×1.0 cm) adhesive tape between the exposed part of the needle body and the skin surface under the needle handle, and then cover the needle with a slightly larger adhesive tape. This can protect the needle body and fix it in the subcutaneous layer, preventing it from moving or falling out due to movement.
3. Tacking type subcutaneous needle: It is mostly used for facial and ear acupuncture points that require vertical and shallow needling. Use small tweezers or needle-holding forceps to hold the needle handle, align the needle tip with the selected acupuncture point, and gently insert it. Then use a small square adhesive tape to fix it. Alternatively, you can use small tweezers to hold the needle, stick the needle handle on a pre-cut small square adhesive tape, and hold the adhesive tape with your hand to stick the needle onto the selected acupuncture point.
[Precautions]
The duration of needle retention can be determined according to the condition, generally 1-2 days, and up to 6-7 days for more severe cases. In hot weather, the needle should not be retained for more than 2 days to prevent infection.
