Two-finger press needle insertion

A two-handed needle insertion technique whereby the handle of the needle is held by the fingers of one hand and the tip is held between the thumb and index finger of the other hand to guide it into the body.

Method: The two-finger press needle insertion is performed in the following steps:

1. Hold the needle at the handle with the thumb and index finger of right hand, while the left thumb and forefinger support the shaft close to the tip with a small piece of sterile cotton.
2. Place the tip of the needle lightly on the surface of the skin over the point.
3. Insert the needle by exerting a quick, firm, downward thrust with both hands simultaneously.
4. Remove the cotton and continue to insert the needle until right depth has been reached.

Application: The two-finger press is especially suited to the use of longer needles. This technique, in which two hands are used to guide the needle during insertion, provides stability over a greater portion of the length of the needle body. Longer needles are used where the flesh is thicker (such as the hips and legs), and for the special technique of point joining, which two points are connected by one needle. Proper clean needle technique requires that cotton be used around the base of the needle, as touching the body of the needle with the fingers poses the danger of infection. See needle insertion.