Quantification of the parameters of twisting-rotating acupuncture manipulation using a needle force measurement system.

Background: To date, much research has been conducted to measure needle manipulation quantitatively and objectively. This study was performed to quantitatively measure the differences in the amount of stimulation caused by various rotation frequencies and angles in twisting-rotating acupuncture needle manipulation.

Methods: The torque force exerted on a tissue was measured at various rotation frequencies and angles by rotating a needle with a needle force measurement system attached to a needle insertion tissue model.