![](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/69/644/large_thumbnail_a657022__0002_.jpg)
![Acupuncture needle, steel and brass, 1700-1900](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/409/3/small_thumbnail_smg00206541.jpg)
![Acupuncture needle, China, 1700-1900](https://coimages.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/7/297/small_thumbnail_a643649.jpg)
Acupuncture needle, steel and brass, 1700-1900
The coiled handle of this acupuncture needle, seen on the far left, is a unique feature of Chinese needles. It aids insertion. The needle is rolled between finger and thumb during a technique called rotation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture needles are inserted into certain points on the skin. This unblocks the flow through the body of a life force known as qi (chi). TCM practitioners believe qi is essential to wellbeing.
Details
- Category:
- Asian Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A643663
- Measurements:
-
overall: 60 mm .01kg
- type:
- acupuncture needle