Caption

Assortment of acupuncture needles. The long needle at left is a traditional Chinese needle, with a filigree handle. To its right is a "hair" needle and its guiding tube, used for accurate work on delicate areas of the body such as the face. Next is a modern, disposable needle, followed by 2 similar ear needles, and gold, silver and steel needles. The plastic device at top contains a small needle and is left in situ in the ear for the treatment of compulsive or addictive types of behaviour (cigarette smoking and alcoholism). Periodic rotation of the base of the device induces an electric charge on the ear point.