Acupunture

Ha! I knew that subject line would get you! Seriously, I need some help. One of my patients (male) has expressed an interest in using acupuncture needles during a play exam. I must say, this is outside my realm of expertise. I have never been an actual patient of acupuncture but I am always willing to try anything once for a patient, particularly this one. Any docs or nurses out there (RL or play) care to give me a primer on play with acupuncture needles? I'm all ears!

Thanks much for your help!

Lady Doc

Lady Doc,

Acupuncture needles go deep and caution is advised. The main dangers are puncture of internal organs, large blood vessels, and nerves. Much easier to do than some might think, these structures are quite superficial in some places and the consequences can be pretty bad. There are cases in the literature of death caused by poor acupuncture technique. This is not at all the same as the skin piercing commonly associated with needle play. You would be well advised to have an expert join you or choose a safer kind of play. Acupuncture takes years of extensive training to learn where, how, and why these needles go where they go, how long they should be there, and how they should be placed and removed. This is not a thing to try casually.

There are things that happen with these needles that are different than giving injections or the usual needle play. You can get into trouble you may not know how to deal with if you do not know what these things are and what to do if they happen. Please seek a skilled practitioner to assist you, this is not a thing to learn from the internet.

Thank you very much DrB, a karma for you! That's just what I was looking for, a reasoned approach to the whys and why nots!

LadyDoc

There is no pain with accupuncture needles at all...the only thing you feel is the guard pressing against your skin. I would say, until you get used to it and a little more confident aim for very well muscled/fat covered areas. Like BigK says, it is more a visual effect than a pain effect, aim for the abdomen and surrounding areas. You dont need to read books etc as your wont be using the needles for what they are intended for just use your common sense and you will be fine.

And remember your sharps box!! You cant put these in normal household waste, buy the box, for a few pounds and take it to the local community waste centre (or tip as I know it as) once its full.