Finger-press needle insertion

Also nail-press needle insertion. Two-handed needle insertion technique involving the application of pressure with a single nail.

Method:

1. Press either the thumbnail or the nail of the index finger of the left hand, onto the skin surface over the point.
2. Holding the handle of the needle with right thumb and forefinger, support the needle tip against the finger nail.
3. Keeping the needle next to the nail, insert it through the skin with a quick, firm downward motion.

Application: The single-finger press is used to insert needles 2 inches or less in length. It is also employed in areas near to a palpable pulse: the pressing finger covers the pulse and the needle is inserted next to it, thus protecting the blood vessel from injury during insertion. This method, though used in China, does not meet Western standards of a clean field because the needle comes into contact with the thumbnail.