They will vary in length + gauge, all depending on location, depth, and practitioner preference
On top of needing to know over 400 point location, function, contraindications + cautions, we also needed to know the ANGLE + DEPTH of needling for each point
Acupuncture can be dangerous, when performed by anyone other than a licensed acupuncturist. We come highly trained avoiding major arteries, veins, nerves, + organs (yes, organs are often punctured by unqualified healthcare providers)
I use thin needles: gauge .18
To give you a point of reference, the needles that I purchase, can range from gauge .16 - .30
I keep a variety of lengths on hand too: 15 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, and some super long ones for sciatica
I use .16/15 mm on the face, and tender areas of the body
I use .18/30 mm for areas that do not require a lot of depth
I use .18/40 mm for areas that I can go a little deeper, and I use .20/40 mm for sports medicine treatments where we want muscles to respond
In the picture, you will see how incredibly thin + short the needles are (left to right: 30 mm, 40 mm, 15 mm)
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