Needles with silicone? Really?
I would like to use the occasion to shortly (the subject is vast) address what is perhaps one of the most overlooked elements in acupuncture (at least in the needling aspect of acupuncture). When it comes to the variety of acupuncture needles available in the market, there is a generally ignored detail concerning the silicone coating added to the needles. By far the majority of acupuncture needles sold in Europe comes with a silicone coated tip. This coating is meant to ensure a smooth and painless penetration into the skin. The silicon coating is antiallergic and completely invisible to the human eye. Its use is furthermore common practice in the (western) medical practice for injection needles and cannulae. Still, by dealing with acupuncturists on daily basis I have come to the realization there is a large group of practitioners who simply ignores this detail about the needles they work with.
Read more: Don’t ask don’t tell
Blog from Dirkjan Heijne Docsave GmbH 
