A :Most acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin. Usually needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on the nature of the condition being treated, the patients' size, age, and constitution and the acupuncturists style or school.

Usually, needles are inserted from 1⁄4 to 1 inch in depth. The depth depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist’s style or type of training. See similar questions...

The depth of the insertion varies depending the body part being needled. Needle lengths vary from 1/16 of an inch to 3 to 6 inches long. For example, if needling around the ankles or hands a 1/2 inch needle is used, however if the needling is to the buttocks to treat sciatica then the needle length will be between 3-6 inches. Needle length depends on the size of the part being needled. Needling technique is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks than on the arms or feet. See similar questions...

Yes, very safe. Needle insertion depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patients size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Acupuncture needles are very very thin and flexible. Nerves, blood, and lymph vessels are elastic and quite easily move out the way. The Happy Herbalist uses Only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. See similar questions...

The needles are usually made of stainless steel, not much thicker that a human hair. Usually nothing is felt as the needle penetrates the skin but there will be some sensation as the needle reaches the subcutaneous acupuncture point. This can be a feeling of numbness, or an ache, or an "alive" sensation, or a sort of sharpness. It is certainly a lot less painful than the sensation of being accidentally punctured by a needle or a pin. Some people seem to feel hardly anything at all. See similar questions...

In Florida and in the United States, Acupuncturists are required by law to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles are not saved or reused for later treatments. They are properly disposed of in Sharps containers and treated as Biohazardous Waste. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle. See similar questions...

In certain circumstances it is felt that a MRI contrast agent administered intravenously would provide additional necessary information. In the following circumstances, an injection is required: If you are scheduled for an evaluation of your urethra or prostate, you may receive an intramuscular injection to reduce bowel motion/spasms. See similar questions...

The needles used to stimulate acupuncture points are solid-state stainless stell, pre-sterilized, and disposable. They are NOT hypodermic needles. They are very slender, about the thickness of two human hairs. Most insertions are made beneath the skin's surface and sensations vary from person to person. Sometimes a person feels nothing at all, or perhaps a dull, momentary ache or tingling sensation. The fewest number of needles are used in each treatment. See similar questions...