In the present paper

the authors make a summary about the development of acupuncture needles in Chinese ancient times recorded in the literature

and have a discussion on the effect of the thickness of acupuncture needles on clinical the-rapeutic efficacy in accordance with modern medical theories

the development of its clinical application and by combining their own experience in acupuncture practice. They conclude that the thickness of the abdominal needle is a negligible factor influencing the therapeutic efficacy of the reinforcing-reducing manipulations. In the treatment of deficiency pattern disorders

a thinner acupuncture needle is suitable

while for excess syndrome

a thicker acupuncture needle is recommended. In the light of the patient's constitution and different state of clinical conditions

a flexible application of the acupuncture needle with different diameters is highly recommended in clinical practice. In this way

the clinical therapeutic effect would be improved much.