Illustrations of the Nine Types of Needles based on Huangdi’s Internal Classic Ling-shu

Abstract

Background: The phrase “Nine Needles” refers to the 9 types of acupuncture needles describing their shapes, sizes, and uses in Huangdi’s Internal Classic Ling-shu. The aim of this study was to present 3D illustrations of the “Nine Types of Needles” based on Huangdi’s Internal classic Ling-shu, taking into consideration the conformation and application of the Nine Needles. Methods: Sketches of the “Nine Needles” were based on references to those needles cited in Huangdi’s Internal Classic Ling-shu, the Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and the Golden Mirror of Medicine. The computer programs Creo 3.0, Keyshot 5, Adobe Photoshop CS5, and Adobe Illustrator CS5 were used for 3D modelling and visualization. Results: Based on a review of Huangdi’s Internal Classic Ling-shu, illustrations of the Spade needle, Round- Pointed needle, Pressure needle, Sharp-Edged needle, Sword-Shaped needle, Round-Sharp needle, Fine needle, Long needle, and Large needle, 3D models were created. The Spade needle had a sharp, large head, the Round-Pointed needle had an egg-shaped tip, and the Pressure needle had a blunt head like a grain of millet. The Sharp-Edged needle had a sharp blade with a triangular edge for bloodletting. The Sword-Shaped needle resembled a sword. The Round-Sharp needle resembled a horse’s tail. The Fine needle and the Long needle had sharp points and thin bodies. The Large needle had a cylindrical shaft and rounded tip. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 3D illustrations could be generated for the Nine Needles according to the descriptions and figures provided in the ancient literature.