SEIRIN Acupuncture Needles: Disposable needles from Japan
In a nutshell: SEIRIN is a Japanese manufacturer of sterile, disposable acupuncture needles based in Shimizu (Shizuoka). According to the company, SEIRIN developed the world’s first disposable acupuncture needle in the late 1970s. According to the manufacturer, the needles are manufactured entirely in Japan and are now used in over 30 countries. CT&T Medical has been distributing SEIRIN products in Switzerland for many years and advises healthcare professionals on needle selection.
The History of SEIRIN
Until the 1970s, acupuncture needles were sterilized and reused in many clinics. Company founder Tsuyoshi Suzuki, whose company had previously manufactured plastic parts and disposable medical cannulas, wanted to change that. In 1980, the first SEIRIN disposable needle was launched on the market, already featuring color-coding to indicate diameter. Today, according to the company, SEIRIN is the market leader in acupuncture needles in Japan.
What Sets SEIRIN Needles Apart
Tip and Needle BodySEIRIN has the stainless steel wire manufactured to its own specifications and straightens it before processing. The tip is ground so that even a needle with a diameter of 0.10 mm has a uniform, smooth shape. In 2012, the rounded “SP” tip (SEIRIN Point) was introduced; according to SEIRIN, it is now the most popular tip shape.
Handle and Guide TubeThe needle body is anchored in the center of the handle during injection molding. The injection-molded guide tube has rounded edges and is welded to the handle at a single point with a diameter of about 1 mm. It can be removed with one hand but cannot be reattached. This makes it immediately apparent whether a needle has already been used.
Hygiene and Sterility
Production is largely automated, taking place in rooms with controlled air pressure and with as few staff members as possible. As a result, the needles carry virtually no germs even before sterilization. SEIRIN specifies a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶ and validates the sterilization process. The products meet the requirements of the EU Medical Device Regulation (CE) as well as those of other markets, including the U.S. and Australia.
Overview of SEIRIN Needle Types
|
Type |
Handle |
Guide tube |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type B |
Plastic, color-coded |
no |
Body Acupuncture, for those skilled in the freehand technique |
|
J-Type |
Plastic, color-coded |
yes |
Body Acupuncture, with an insertion aid |
|
J15 |
Plastic |
yes |
short needle (15 mm), e.g., facial acupuncture |
|
G-Type |
Plastic |
yes |
Dry Needling |
|
L-Type |
Metal |
yes |
if a metal handle is desired, e.g., for electrostimulation or moxibustion |
|
Pyonex |
– |
– |
Reusable needle on a patch for the ear and body |
The color of the handle indicates the needle diameter. This makes it easy to find the right needle at a glance in a clinical setting. All SEIRIN needles are silicone-coated.
Buy SEIRIN from HCTT Europe
HCTT Europe has been your European partner for complementary medicine since 2020 and has carried SEIRIN needles in its product line for many years. These products are intended exclusively for trained professionals.
