Angle and depth of insertion

In the process of insertion, angle and depth are especially important in acupuncture. Correct angle and depth help to induce the needling sensation, bring about the desired therapeutic results and guarantee safety. Different angles and depth at the same point punctured produce varied needling sensation and therapeutic effects. Appropriate angle and depth depends upon the location of the points, the therapeutic purpose, the patient ' s constitution and the type of figure, fat or thin.

The angle formed by the needle and the skin surface. Generally, there are three kinds : perpendicular, oblique and horizontal.

• Perpendicular : Perpendicular, in which the needle is inserted perpendicularly, forming a 90 ' angle with the skin surface. Most points on the body can be punctured in this way
• Oblique : This method is used for the points close to the important viscera or where the muscle is thinner. Generally, the needle is inserted obliquely to form an angle of approximately 45 ' with the skin surface. Points such as L7 in the upper extremity, Ren15 of the abdominal region, Liv14 of the chest, and the points on the back, are often needled in this way
• Horizontal ( also known as transverse insertion ) :

This method is commonly used in the areas where the muscle is thin, such as Du 20, S 8 on the head, B 2, B1 4 on the face, Ren 17 on the chest, etc.

Depth of needle insertion. Generally, a proper depth of needling induces better needling sensation without hurting the important viscera. In clinic the depth of insertion mostly depends upon the constitution of the patient, the location of points and the pathological condition. For the elderly often suffering from deficiency of qi and blood, or for infants with delicate constitution, and such areas as the head, face and back region, shallow insertion is advisable. For the young and middle - aged with strong or fat constitutions, or for the points on the four extremities, buttocks and abdominal region, deep insertion is adopted.