Acupuncture needle, China, 1700-1900

Made:
1700-1900 in China
Acupuncture needle, steel and brass, 1700-1900 From left to right: 
    A643663, Acupuncture needle

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Acupuncture needle, steel and brass, 1700-1900
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

From left to right: A643663, Acupuncture needle
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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
Materials:
steel and brass
Measurements:
overall: 60 mm .01kg
type:
acupuncture needle