Why Are Acupuncture Needles Different Colors?

6th Mar 2023

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. One of the most recognizable aspects of acupuncture is the use of needles, which come in a variety of colors. But why are acupuncture needles different colors? In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to this question and discuss why it’s important to understand the difference between the colors.

What Do the Colors Mean?
The colors of acupuncture needles can vary depending on their purpose and the type of treatment being performed. Generally speaking, there are three primary handles used in acupuncture: silver, gold, and copper. Each color has its own purpose in traditional Chinese medicine.

Silver: Silver needles are typically used for general treatments, such as pain relief or stress reduction. They are believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind.

Gold: Gold needles are often used for more specific treatments, such as treating certain types of illnesses or diseases. They are thought to have a more powerful effect than silver needles and can be used to target specific areas or organs in the body. Gold is also the color thought of as being best for patients who may have allergies to metals, same as in jewelry.

Copper: Copper handled acupuncture needles are typically used in treatments where conductivity is useful, such as electro acupuncture treatments. Copper is typically used for the circulatory system and said to stimulate the metabolic process and encourage wounds to heal faster.

Brightly Colored Plastic Handles: Most brightly colored handles are made from plastic and the color of the handles corresponds with how thick the needle is. This color coded system is similar across all plastic handle brands. This is a fast way for the practitioner to identify the needle size. The color coded plastic handles we carry are asiamed & classic jade pro.

The Benefits of Color-Coded Needles
Using color-coded needles can help practitioners quickly identify which size of needle they need for a particular treatment or condition. This makes it easier for them to select the right needle without having to guess or remember what each color means. Additionally, using different colored needles can help practitioners keep track of which needle was used on each patient during a session, allowing them to better monitor progress over time.

To view different acupuncture needle sizes and lengths & their corresponding colors check out our Acupuncture Needle Size Chart