Literature Study on the Conformation and Application of Nine Classical Needles

구침(九鍼)의 형태와 용도에 대한 문헌연구

Objective : Nine classical needles have been recorded in oriental medical classics as a diversified instrument for acupuncture to treat patients with various symptoms. Recently, it has suggested that doctors didn't make full use of acupuncture and that poor understanding of the nine needles has caused the lack of usage. Methods : It has studied bibliographically about the conformation including a length & shape and application & usages of the nine classical needles presented in oriental medical classics. Results : Chamchim (shear needle) has 1.6 chon (寸) length, sharp apex treating fever in the head and trunk; Wonchim (roun-pointed needle) has 1.6 chon, eggshaped apex treating disease of flesh by massaging with it; Sichim (spoon needle) has 3.5 chon, thick body with round sharp apex treating weakness of Qi; Bongchim (lance needle) has 1.6 chon, a triangled apex treating chronic disease with bleeding; Pichim (stiletto needle) has 4 chon, razor sharp applying to surgery of big pus; Wonlichim (round-sharp needle) has 1.6 chon, thin body, sharp apex treating acute arthralgia syndromes; Hochim (filiform needle) has various lengths which treats various disease of meridians and organs; Jangchim (long needle) has 7 chon, sharp apex treating chronic arthralgia syndromes in deeper place of body; Daechim (large needle) has 4 chon, nail like apex applying to excrete artheredema in joints. Conclusions : The conformation of nine classical needles has been changed from those recorded in oriental medical classics since it was developed. However, the usage of nine classical needles has remained the same. Therefore it is considered that intrinsic attribute of the nine needles has preserved even though the conformation of nine classical needles has changed.