The standard answer given is
"about the width of human hair”
More technically, needles are measured by millimeter or by “gauge”--just like body jewelry and other wires.
(This is NOT the same “gauge” used for fire arms).
The needles used in acupuncture generally range from 40-30 gauge (0.16mm-0.30mm).
For comparison:
Lip piercings (and electrical wires in a desk lamp) are 14-12 gauge (1.6-2.0mm)
Standard earrings (and the needles used for donating blood) are 18 gauge (1.0mm)
A needle for injection (vein or muscle) is 21-25 gauge (0.71-0.45mm)
Acupuncture needles are 40-30 gauge (0.16mm-0.30mm)
Human hair ranges from 0.18-0.01mm.
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.jpg "Picture of a single acupuncture needle on a piece of blue agate framed with beaded earrings and a dime for scale") |
| Picture of a single acupuncture needle on a piece of blue agate framed with beaded earrings and a dime for scale |