[The invention and improvement of ancient needle tools of traditional Chinese medicine TCM].

The development of needle tools in ancient China underwent a process of from stone through bamboo, bone, ceramic to metal materials, from rough to delicate manufacture, from multiple uses of a single one to diversified structure and shapes with different functions. Making research on the developing history of needle tools from Stone Age to the Ming and Qing dynasties in its materials, craftsmanship and applications can reveal the inventive values.