Filiform needles are very different from hypodermic needles in that they are solid and extremely fine. They are sterilized, disposable and as thin as a human hair.

Japanese filiform needles are much thinner than the ones used in Chinese acupuncture. The most commonly used needles are between 0.12 mm and 0.16 mm in diameter. This is almost three times smaller than the equivalent smallest Chinese needles (0.32 mm to 0.38 mm in diameter). For reference, the diameter of a standard intravenous needle used for taking blood is 0.8 mm.
Japanese techniques require the use of very thin needles. We clinically observe significant improvement in their patients’ conditions using an extremely gentle needling technique.

The filiform needles used are made of stainless steel and come individually packaged and pre-sterilized with Ethyleneoxide gas. The needles are not saved nor reused for other treatment.

When a needle is inserted, some people may feel sensations such as soreness and heaviness while others may feel nothing at all. Common qi (energy) sensations around the needle include tingling or a sense of swelling at the insertion site.
These energetic sensations differ from pain, however. People often comment that the feelings are unfamiliar but some are energized by treatment, while others feel pleasant and relaxed.