Intradermal Needle Therapy: Subcutaneous Needling for Chronic Conditions

Intradermal needle therapy is a method in which specially made small needles are fixed into the skin or subcutaneously at acupoints and embedded for a relatively long period of time. It is also called intradermal needling therapy. Intradermal needle therapy can provide the cutaneous regions with a weak but prolonged stimulation, regulating the functions of the meridians, collaterals, and zang-fu organs to achieve the purpose of preventing and treating disease.

Intradermal needle therapy is commonly used for chronic, intractable diseases that require prolonged needle retention and for frequently recurring painful conditions, such as headache, dysmenorrhea, enuresis, insomnia, hypertension, and asthma.

Therapeutic Method of Intradermal Needling:

① Needle Types

There are two types: the grain-type (wheat-grain type) and the thumbtack-type (push-pin type). The grain-type needle generally has a shaft length of about 1 cm, with a handle shaped like a grain of wheat or a ring, and the needle shaft and handle form a straight line. The thumbtack-type needle has a shaft length of about 0.2–0.3 cm, a ring-shaped handle, and the shaft and handle are perpendicular to each other.

② Method of Operation

After the intradermal needles, forceps, and the skin area to be needled have been strictly disinfected, needling can be carried out. For the grain-type intradermal needle, use forceps to grasp the needle shaft, and insert the needle transversely along the skin into the dermis, embedding the needle shaft 0.5–1 cm into the skin. Then, fix the needle handle that remains outside the skin with adhesive tape. For the thumbtack-type intradermal needle, use forceps to grasp the needle ring, aim the needle tip at the acupoint and insert it, so that the ring-shaped handle lies flat on the skin. Fix it with adhesive tape. This type of needle is often used for auricular acupoints.

③ Duration of Treatment

In hot weather, the needle is generally retained for 1–2 days; in cold weather, it can be retained for 3–7 days. During the retention period, press the embedded needle site with the hand for 1–2 minutes approximately every 4 hours to strengthen the stimulation and increase the therapeutic effect. However, intradermal needling is not suitable for joints or the chest and abdominal regions. If any abnormal conditions occur, the needle retention should be discontinued.