ACC Acupuncture Techniques and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which needle insertion technique involves a slow, gradual advancement through tissue while rotating the needle?
- Rapid insertion
- Screwing insertion (Correct answer)
- Tube insertion
- Thrusting insertion
Correct answer: Screwing insertion
Screwing (or rotating) insertion involves slowly advancing the needle with a twisting motion to navigate through tissue layers.
Question 2: A patient reports feeling a strong electric shock sensation radiating down the arm during needling of LI-11. What is the most appropriate immediate action?
- Continue needling as this is normal De Qi
- Remove the needle immediately and monitor for nerve damage (Correct answer)
- Increase needle depth to reach the intended tissue
- Apply moxibustion over the site
Correct answer: Remove the needle immediately and monitor for nerve damage
An electric shock sensation indicates likely nerve contact; the needle should be removed immediately and the patient monitored for signs of nerve injury.
Question 3: What is the recommended maximum retained needle time for a standard acupuncture treatment session?
- 5–10 minutes
- 15–20 minutes
- 20–30 minutes (Correct answer)
- 45–60 minutes
Correct answer: 20–30 minutes
Most clinical protocols recommend retaining needles for 20–30 minutes to achieve therapeutic effect without tissue irritation.
Question 4: When treating a patient with a pacemaker, which stimulation modality is absolutely contraindicated?
- Manual needle stimulation
- Electroacupuncture (Correct answer)
- Infrared heat lamp
- Moxibustion
Correct answer: Electroacupuncture
Electroacupuncture is contraindicated in pacemaker patients because electrical current can interfere with pacemaker function and cause life-threatening arrhythmias.
Question 5: Which gauge acupuncture needle is most commonly used for general body acupuncture in adults?
- 34–36 gauge
- 30–32 gauge (Correct answer)
- 26–28 gauge
- 22–24 gauge
Correct answer: 30–32 gauge
30–32 gauge needles are the most commonly used for general body acupuncture, balancing ease of insertion with adequate stimulation.
Question 6: The technique of 'lifting and thrusting' (ti cha) primarily aims to achieve which therapeutic effect?
- Reduce needle sensation
- Tonify or disperse Qi depending on direction and speed (Correct answer)
- Prevent needle bending
- Increase local blood flow only
Correct answer: Tonify or disperse Qi depending on direction and speed
Lifting and thrusting manipulates Qi — gentle, slow thrusting tonifies while forceful, rapid lifting disperses according to traditional needling theory.
Question 7: Which of the following is a sign of hematoma formation at an acupuncture needle site?
- Mild aching at the point
- Rapid localized swelling and discoloration (Correct answer)
- Warmth spreading along the meridian
- Tingling in the distal extremity
Correct answer: Rapid localized swelling and discoloration
Hematoma presents as rapid localized swelling and discoloration due to bleeding into subcutaneous tissue after needle removal.
ACC Acupuncture Techniques and Safety 2
Which needle insertion technique involves a slow, gradual advancement through tissue while rotating the needle?