Acupuncture needles have evolved from bian-stone and bronze to today’s medical-grade stainless steel. Early bian-stone was coarse and used only for surface stimulation; bronze needles were sharp but prone to rust. Modern clinics rely on stainless steel for its flexibility and resistance to breaking, ideal for complex manipulations. Premium needles may use silver or tungsten: silver offers natural antibacterial action and superior conductivity, perfect for sensitive areas, while tungsten fire-needles withstand high heat for deep lesions. Material choice should match the treatment—silver for chronic pain, tungsten for surgical drainage.
