Market Overview
The Global Acupuncture Needles Market is projected to reach
USD 342.2 million in 2024 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of
9.1% from there until 2033 to reach a value of
USD 751.7 million.
Acupuncture needles are thin, metallic needles utilized in acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine practice. They are developed to stimulate specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points, to promote healing, balance energy flow, and reduce various health issues like pain, stress, and inflammation. These needles are mainly made of stainless steel, come in many sizes, and are single-use for hygiene purposes. Acupuncturists insert them into the skin at specific depths, depending on the treatment.
Further, the demand for acupuncture needles has grown exponentially in recent years. Factors like a large awareness of alternative medicine, a growth in chronic pain cases, and a preference for non-invasive treatments have contributed to this growth. More people are turning to acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medicine, which is especially prominent in developing countries where healthcare providers are incorporating acupuncture into holistic treatment plans for conditions like migraines, arthritis, and anxiety.
Further, the acupuncture needle market is seeing innovative developments. Eco-friendly, biodegradable needles are gaining traction as environmental concerns grow. There is also a trend toward smaller & more comfortable needles created to enhance patient experience. In addition, the integration of technology, like digital acupuncture devices, is supporting practitioners provide more precise treatments. These developments, along with the growing interest in wellness tourism, are pushing the market forward.
However, in recent years, events have shaped the acupuncture needle industry. Growing regulatory oversight has ensured higher safety and quality standards. Like, organizations like the FDA in the U.S. and CE marking in Europe are tightening regulations for medical devices, like acupuncture needles. Also, conferences and expos focusing on substitute medicine and acupuncture are promoting global collaboration and innovation. Another notable event is the rise of online platforms providing acupuncture kits and training for home use, reflecting consumer interest in self-care.
Acupuncture’s growing acceptance as a mainstream treatment is a key insight. Many healthcare providers now recommend acupuncture as a complementary therapy, mainly for pain management and mental health support. Insurance companies in various countries are starting to cover acupuncture treatments, making them more accessible to patients. Studies and testimonials showing its effectiveness for issues like back pain, insomnia, and stress relief are driving its popularity, which has opened doors for practitioners and suppliers of acupuncture needles.
Furthermore, the acupuncture needle market is expected to expand as interest in holistic health grows. The aim will likely transform toward personalized acupuncture treatments, driven by developments in data analytics and patient monitoring technologies. Collaboration between traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and Western medical professionals will continue to grow, improving acupuncture’s credibility and adoption. Meanwhile, manufacturers will aim for sustainable practices and create products that meet growth in demand while addressing environmental concerns, which suggests a bright future for the acupuncture industry.
The US Acupuncture Needles Market
The US Acupuncture Needles Market is projected to reach USD 72.7 million in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% over its forecast period.
The U.S. market provides many growth opportunities in the acupuncture needles market due to the growth in demand for non-invasive, drug-free pain management solutions. A rise in awareness of acupuncture’s benefits, a major elderly population, and the prevalence of chronic conditions like arthritis and back pain are driving demand. Supportive healthcare policies and the integration of acupuncture into multidisciplinary care further boost market potential.
Further, the market is driven by increasing cases of chronic pain conditions and a growing elderly population looking for non-invasive treatments. However, the market experiences challenges through limited insurance coverage for acupuncture therapies and a shortage of trained practitioners, which can impact large adoption and access to these services.
Key Takeaways
- Market Growth: The Acupuncture Needles Market size is expected to grow by 381.4 million, at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecasted period of 2025 to 2033.
- By Type: The disposable needles segment is anticipated to get the majority share of the Acupuncture Needles Market in 2024.
- By End Use: The Clinics are expected to be leading the market in 2024
- By Material: The stainless steel segment is expected to get the largest revenue share in 2024 in the Acupuncture Needles Market.
- Regional Insight: Asia Pacific is expected to hold a 45.9% share of revenue in the Global Acupuncture Needles Market in 2024.
- Use Cases: Some of the use cases of Acupuncture Needles include pain management, improved mobility, and more.
Use Cases
- Pain Management: Acupuncture needles are highly used to minimize chronic pain conditions like back pain, arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia by stimulating specific pressure points.
- Stress and Mental Health: Needles help minimize stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and balancing the body’s energy flow.
- Improved Mobility: Acupuncture is often used in physical therapy to enhance joint mobility and reduce stiffness in conditions like sports injuries or post-surgical recovery.
- Holistic Treatments: Acupuncture needles are integral in integrative medicine to treat digestive disorders, infertility, and hormonal imbalances as part of a holistic health approach.
- Statistics
- According to the National Library of Medicine (a part of National Center for Biotechnology Information) Acupuncture needles range in length from 10 to 100 mm, with longer needles used for thicker tissue areas like the torso and shorter ones for delicate regions like the head and neck
- Most acupuncture sessions involve the insertion of 5 to 20 needles, which remain in the body for 10 to 20 minutes while the patient is relaxed.
- Training for acupuncturists in the U.S. requires 2,000 to 3,000 hours over 3 to 4 years, including practical exams and certification.
- About 30% of U.S. patients receive acupuncture in multidisciplinary settings such as pain clinics or integrative medicine offices, while the remaining 70% are treated by solo practitioners.
- Acupuncture is recommended as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain by the American College of Physicians, addressing an issue that affects 22% to 48% of the U.S. adult population.
- Studies from the National Library of Medicine on chronic low back pain showed acupuncture offers moderate benefits at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups, but sham acupuncture (e.g., toothpick insertion) produced similar results in some cases.
- Moreover, according to Nature.com, porous acupuncture needles (PANs) have 20 times greater surface area than conventional needles, enhancing therapeutic effects by increasing tissue interaction.
- In addition, PANs are fabricated using a specialized anodization process involving 0.3% NH4F, 2% deionized water, and ethylene glycol, creating micro/nano-scale pores.
- PANs showed superior efficacy compared to thicker needles with a 1.6 mm diameter, even when surface areas were similar, in pain and neurological response tests.
- PANs were evaluated using advanced techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy across frequencies of 200 kHz to 50 MHz (Nature).
- In vivo studies using Wistar rats demonstrated that PANs improved behavioral responses to pain and reduced locomotor activity caused by conditions like alcohol dependence.
- Conventional acupuncture needles used for these studies were 6 cm long and 0.03 cm in diameter, with surface areas modified for comparison (Nature).
- The fabrication and testing of PANs adhered to strict ethical guidelines, with animal studies approved by Daegu Haany University under protocol number DHU2014-051.
- Rats in the alcohol group consumed a Lieber-Decarli ethanol diet with ethanol concentrations progressively increasing to 7.2% over several days, while control rats received iso-caloric non-ethanol diets.
- Acupuncture efficacy was measured through electrophysiological monitoring and behavioral assessments in Wistar rats weighing 250–270 grams.
- As per the National Library of Medicine, patients undergoing acupuncture typically report sensations like numbness or mild radiating feelings during treatment—a desired outcome called “de-qi”.
- The practitioner may manipulate needles during sessions to achieve or enhance the “de-qi” sensation if it is not initially felt by the patient.
- Further, Nature.com also revealed that some studies suggest altering needle parameters such as diameter, depth of insertion, and number of needles per session can improve therapeutic outcomes.
- PANs were shown to enhance interaction with mechanoreceptors in surrounding tissue without increasing discomfort for the patient, improving stimuli intensity.
- Moreover, as per the National Library of Medicine, the U.S. FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices, requiring them to be sterile and often single-use to ensure safety and hygiene.
Market Dynamic
Driving Factors
Rising Demand for Non-Invasive Therapies
The growing preference for non-invasive and drug-free treatments is a major growth driver for the acupuncture needle market. Patients suffering from chronic pain, migraines, and stress-related conditions are turning to acupuncture as a complementary or alternative therapy, which is supported by a growing body of clinical evidence highlighting its effectiveness in pain relief and mental health improvement.
The transformation toward holistic and patient-centered healthcare approaches, mainly in developed countries, has further boosted the adoption of acupuncture. In addition, the inclusion of acupuncture in multidisciplinary settings, such as integrative medicine and physical therapy clinics, has made it more accessible and appealing to patients.
Technological Advancements and Innovation
Development in needle technology is driving market growth by enhancing patient comfort and therapeutic outcomes. Innovations like porous acupuncture needles (PANs) with better surface area and improved tissue interaction have shown superior efficacy in comparison to conventional needles. These innovations address patient concerns about discomfort, making treatments more widely accepted.
In addition, eco-friendly and biodegradable needle options are gaining traction in response to environmental concerns. Along with the integration of technology in acupuncture devices for more precise treatments, these developments are encouraging both practitioners and patients to adopt acupuncture more broadly, fueling the market’s expansion.
Restraints
Limited Clinical Evidence and Skepticism
One of the key restraints in the acupuncture needles market is the limited availability of large-scale clinical evidence to firmly establish acupuncture’s efficiency beyond placebo effects. While many patients report benefits, caution remains among healthcare providers and patients, mainly in regions where Western medicine dominates, which limits its adoption in mainstream medical practices. In addition, variations in outcomes due to practitioner skill and technique further challenge its credibility as a standardized therapy.
Strict Regulatory and Safety Standards
The acupuncture needles market faces challenges from strict regulatory needs and safety standards for manufacturing and usage. Needles must meet high sterilization and single-use criteria to prevent infection risks and growth in production costs.
Small or emerging manufacturers may struggle to comply with these strict guidelines. Moreover, a lack of standardization in certification and training for practitioners in certain regions raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of treatments, creating barriers to wider market growth.
Opportunities
Integration into Mainstream Healthcare
The rise in acceptance of acupuncture as a complementary therapy in mainstream healthcare provides many opportunities. Increased collaboration between acupuncturists and multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, pain clinics, and integrative medicine centers is driving the need for acupuncture needles. Insurance companies are gradually expanding coverage for acupuncture treatments, making them more accessible to patients, which can help bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine, opening new avenues for market growth.
Rising Popularity in Emerging Markets
Emerging markets, mainly in regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, provide untapped opportunities for the acupuncture needles market. The rise in awareness about substitute therapies and the rising number of chronic diseases are driving demand. Government initiatives to promote traditional medicine and investments in enhancing healthcare infrastructure further support this growth. In addition, lower production and distribution costs in these regions make it attractive for manufacturers to expand their footprint.
Trends
Technological Innovations in Needle Design
Recent trends show a growing focus on developing advanced acupuncture needles, such as porous acupuncture needles (PANs) with enhanced surface areas for improved tissue interaction and therapeutic effects. These innovations aim to increase treatment efficacy while maintaining patient comfort. Additionally, the introduction of eco-friendly and biodegradable needles aligns with rising environmental concerns. These advancements are improving practitioner and patient acceptance, fueling market growth.
Rising Integration of Acupuncture in Digital Healthcare
The integration of acupuncture treatments with digital healthcare solutions, such as wearable devices and AI-driven diagnostic tools, is gaining momentum. These technologies help practitioners identify precise acupuncture points and track treatment progress. Telemedicine platforms are also being used to provide virtual consultations and guide self-administered acupuncture therapies, which reflects a broader shift toward technology-enhanced, patient-centric care models.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Type
The disposable needles segment is projected to dominate the acupuncture needle market in 2024, accounting for the largest revenue share. The rise in preference for disposable needles comes from their numerous advantages, like a lower risk of disease transmission between patients and their affordability. As outlined by the New Zealand Acupuncture Standard Authority Inc. (NZASA), these needles are developed for single use, ensuring hygiene and preventing cross-contamination during treatments.
Mainly made from materials like stainless steel, disposable needles are discarded after each session, aligning with modern healthcare standards. Their focus on safety, cleanliness, and simplicity makes them a preferred choice among healthcare professionals in contemporary acupuncture practices, which reflects the industry’s commitment to patient safety and infection control, further driving their demand globally.
In addition, the non-disposable needles segment is also expected to grow significantly in the future, providing a sustainable alternative to single-use products. These needles, crafted from durable materials like stainless steel, are created for various uses and demand thorough sterilization between treatments to ensure patient safety. Their reusability provides an affordable option for practitioners, making them an appealing choice in certain settings.
Moreover, non-disposable needles align with environmental goals, appealing to practitioners and organizations focused on minimizing medical waste. However, maintaining strict hygiene standards through proper sterilization processes is critical to reducing cross-contamination risks, which makes it an attractive option, contributing to its rising market demand.
By Material
The stainless steel segment will hold the largest share of revenue in the acupuncture needle market in 2024, due to its affordability and higher availability. Stainless steel needles are crafted from durable, high-quality materials that ensure long-lasting performance and resistance to corrosion, making them highly reliable for practitioners.
These needles are developed to maintain their sharpness even after repeated use, providing consistent results in several acupuncture treatments. Their practicality, along with their low cost, makes them the go-to choice for many practitioners, mainly in high-demand settings like clinics and hospitals, which has solidified stainless steel needles as the leading material in the market.
Further, the silver acupuncture needles segment is set to experience notable growth in the coming years due to their distinctive properties and applications. Known for their excellent conductivity, silver needles are mostly chosen for specific treatments that require better stimulation, which offers practitioners a functional alternative to traditional stainless steel, allowing for customized approaches to patient care.
Silver needles also appeal to those looking for a more specialized or premium acupuncture experience. By addressing distinctive therapeutic needs, silver acupuncture needles contribute to the expanding variety of options available to both practitioners and patients, making them an increasingly popular choice in the market.
By Application
Arthritis plays a major role in driving the growth of the acupuncture needles market as more people look for substitute treatments to manage the pain and inflammation linked with the condition. Acupuncture has gained recognition for its ability to stimulate the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms, improving joint function and lowering discomfort for arthritis patients. With millions of individuals affected by arthritis globally, the need for non-invasive, drug-free solutions like acupuncture is rising.
Healthcare professionals are incorporating acupuncture into arthritis treatment plans, providing patients with holistic options alongside conventional therapies. Growing awareness of acupuncture’s benefits for arthritis management, along with its potential to enhance overall well-being, is fueling the use of acupuncture needles.
Further, knee pain is also a major factor driving the growth of the acupuncture needle market, as more people turn to acupuncture for effective, non-invasive pain relief. Conditions like osteoarthritis and sports injuries mostly cause chronic knee pain, making patients explore alternative treatments. Acupuncture helps minimize inflammation, improve blood flow, and lower discomfort in the knee joint, making it a popular choice. With growing awareness of its benefits and the rising prevalence of knee-related issues, the need for acupuncture needles in this application continues to increase.
By End Use
The clinics segment is expected to lead the acupuncture needles market in 2024, due to the rise in the number of specialized clinics and the growing demand for acupuncture treatments. These clinics provide a specialized space for practitioners to aim to deliver customized acupuncture therapies, catering to a wide range of health concerns. By offering a patient-centric environment, acupuncture clinics aim to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere that improves the overall treatment experience.
The growth in surgical procedures and the subsequent demand for pain management and recovery therapies have also contributed to the growth of this segment. Clinics mainly serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking alternative treatments, further boosting their role in the expanding market.
Further, hospitals are expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period, driven by a growth in the number of cases, including diabetic foot ulcers and venous foot ulcers.
Many hospitals are adopting acupuncture as part of a holistic healthcare approach, incorporating it with conventional medical treatments. Acupuncture needles play an important role in these settings by addressing not only pain management but also contributing to the patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The use of acupuncture in hospitals reflects a transformation toward complete healthcare strategies, where alternative therapies complement traditional medicine, which helps hospitals meet the growing demand for more diverse and effective treatment options, further fueling market growth.
The Acupuncture Needles Market Report is segmented on the basis of the following
By Type
- Disposable
- Non-disposable
By Material
- Stainless Steel
- Silver
- Others
By Application
- Arthritis
- Back Pain, Neck Pain, or Muscle Pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- Knee Pain
- Menstrual Cramps
- Sports Injuries
- Others
By End Use
Regional Analysis
The Asia Pacific region is expected to lead the acupuncture needles market in 2024, holding a significant
45.9% market share, owing to several factors, like growing awareness among patients about acupuncture’s benefits and its role in managing numerous health conditions. The high occurrence of chronic diseases and pain-related issues in the region has created an increase in demand for alternative therapies like acupuncture.
In addition, developments in technology, like the development of innovative needle designs, are promoting the market. Governments in Asia Pacific countries are also taking proactive steps to encourage traditional and alternative medicine, providing regulatory support & integrating acupuncture into national healthcare systems. Enhancement in healthcare infrastructure and the presence of major industry players in the region further contribute to its dominant position in the global market.
Further, in North America, the acupuncture needle market is projected to experience strong growth in the coming years, which is driven by an aging population that is highly looking for non-invasive treatments for age-related conditions like chronic pain and hypertension. The high number of hypertension and other lifestyle-related health issues is driving more patients to explore complementary therapies like acupuncture. In addition, North America benefits from a well-developed healthcare system and an increase in awareness of acupuncture’s therapeutic value. Efforts to include acupuncture in multidisciplinary healthcare settings, along with insurance coverage expansion, are further encouraging its adoption.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
The acupuncture needle market is highly competitive, with various manufacturers striving to innovate and meet the growth in demand for high-quality products. Competition is driven by advancements in needle design, like better materials and surface modifications for better performance and patient comfort. Companies are aiming to offer a wide range of products, like disposable and reusable needles, to cater to diverse needs in clinics and hospitals. In addition, increasing awareness of acupuncture’s benefits and expanding healthcare infrastructure worldwide have further intensified competition among market players.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Acupuncture Needles are
- AcuMedic
- Suzhou Hualun Medical Appliance Co. Ltd
- 3B Scientific
- Dana Medical Co. Ltd
- Asia-Med GmbH
- Suzhou Zhongjing Life & Science Technology Co., Ltd.
- Seirin Corp
- Boen Healthcare Co. Ltd
- Wuxi Jiajian Medical Devices Co., Ltd.
- Shinylink (Shanghai) Industrial Inc.
- Other Key Players
Recent Developments
- In October 2024, Champneys Day Spa introduced its latest weight management treatment using auricular (ear) acupuncture throughout the UK, which was developed by skincare specialist and therapist trainer Jennifer Young and is positioned as a natural alternative to Ozempic, the popular anorexigenic drug for weight loss. Further, the therapy focuses on stimulating 12 key acupuncture points that correspond to 14 hormones involved in hunger, metabolism, and pleasure.
- In October 2024, Ambetter Health announced that the company will expand its geographic footprint, adding 60 new counties across 10 states in 2025, which includes expansion into Iowa. Ambetter Health will be available in 29 states across the U.S. Further, its continued geographic and product expansion provides it with a distinctive opportunity to deliver comprehensive, affordable health insurance solutions to more members for the 2025 plan year.
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