Three large acupuncture needles, China 1970-1980. Three large acupuncture needles, with packet, Chinese, 1970-80

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Three large acupuncture needles, China 1970-1980.
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Three large acupuncture needles, with packet, Chinese, 1970-80
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Three large acupuncture needles, China 1970-1980.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture needles are inserted into certain points on the skin to unblock the flow through the body of a life force known as qi (chi), which practitioners of TCM believe to be essential to wellbeing.

These needles can also be used in another TCM treatment known as moxibustion, which involves burning dried moxa plant (Artemisia vulgaris) directly on the head of an acupuncture needle. Moxibustion and acupuncture can be used together to unblock qi. These needles were made by China National Chemicals Import & Export Corporation in Shanghai, China.

Details

Category:
Asian Medicine
Object Number:
1981-1699/2
Materials:
needles, silver and packet, paper
Measurements:
overall (needle): 1 mm x 2 mm x 70 mm,
overall (packet): 2 mm x 53 mm x 116 mm, 0.002 kg
type:
acupuncture needle
credit:
Flemming, Dr.