ACC Acupuncture Techniques & Methods 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which needling technique involves inserting the needle at an oblique angle of approximately 45 degrees?
- Perpendicular insertion
- Oblique insertion (Correct answer)
- Transverse insertion
- Subcutaneous insertion
Correct answer: Oblique insertion
Oblique insertion is performed at approximately 45 degrees to the skin surface and is used at sites where deeper perpendicular needling is contraindicated.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of the 'twisting and rotating' (捻转, niǎn zhuǎn) needle manipulation technique?
- To remove the needle safely
- To obtain De Qi sensation (Correct answer)
- To prevent needle sticking
- To sterilize the needle in situ
Correct answer: To obtain De Qi sensation
Twisting and rotating (niǎn zhuǎn) is a fundamental needle manipulation method used to elicit the De Qi sensation indicating the arrival of Qi.
Question 3: Which acupuncture technique uses a non-insertive instrument to stimulate acupoints, making it appropriate for needle-phobic patients?
- Electroacupuncture
- Press needle technique
- Teishin (tei shin) technique (Correct answer)
- Fire needling
Correct answer: Teishin (tei shin) technique
The teishin is a non-insertive tool from Japanese acupuncture used to stimulate acupoints without skin penetration, suitable for sensitive or needle-phobic patients.
Question 4: In the 'lifting and thrusting' (提插, tí chā) technique, which action is considered tonifying?
- Heavy thrusting with gentle lifting (Correct answer)
- Gentle thrusting with heavy lifting
- Rapid rotation in both directions equally
- Slow rotation counterclockwise only
Correct answer: Heavy thrusting with gentle lifting
In tí chā tonification, the thrust is performed with greater force and slower speed while the lift is lighter and faster.
Question 5: What is the clinical indication for using 'surrounding needling' (围刺, wéi cì)?
- Systemic Qi deficiency
- Localized skin lesions or nodules (Correct answer)
- Internal organ disorders
- Acute febrile conditions
Correct answer: Localized skin lesions or nodules
Surrounding needling (wéi cì) involves placing multiple needles around a localized lesion or nodule to concentrate treatment effect at that site.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'flying needle' (飞针, fēi zhēn) insertion technique?
- Inserting needles while the patient is moving
- Rapid insertion using a flicking wrist motion without a guide tube (Correct answer)
- Inserting needles using electrostimulation to guide depth
- Using a spring-loaded device for rapid needle deployment
Correct answer: Rapid insertion using a flicking wrist motion without a guide tube
The flying needle technique involves a rapid flicking motion of the wrist to insert the needle quickly without a guide tube, minimizing patient discomfort.
Question 7: When applying the 'green turtle searching for a hole' (苍龟探穴, cāng guī tàn xué) technique, how many directions does the needle explore?
- Two
- Three
- Four (Correct answer)
- Six
Correct answer: Four
The green turtle searching for a hole technique involves fanning the needle in four directions (anterior, posterior, left, right) to spread Qi in the local area.
ACC Acupuncture Techniques & Methods 2
Which needling technique involves inserting the needle at an oblique angle of approximately 45 degrees?