Global Acupuncture Needles Market Analysis By Product (Disposable Needles, Non-disposable Needles), By Material (Stainless Steel, Gold, Silver), By End-use (Hospital, Clinics, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2024-2033

Report Overview

The Global Acupuncture Needles Market size is expected to be worth around USD 678.5 Million by 2033, from USD 300.1 Million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Acupuncture needles are specialized devices utilized in acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) aimed at treating various health conditions by inserting needles into specific points on the body. This practice, deeply rooted in ancient Chinese medical traditions, seeks to balance the flow of energy or life force – known as qi or chi – believed to flow through pathways in the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture is thought to boost well-being and cure illnesses, making it a popular choice for pain management and treatment of chronic health issues.

The acupuncture needles market refers to the global industry involved in the production, distribution, and sale of acupuncture needles. This has a robust growth trajectory and is largely attributable to the increasing demand for TCM and non-pharmacological treatments worldwide. Factors such as the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, growing awareness of acupuncture’s benefits, and a shift toward holistic healthcare approaches are key drivers behind this expansion.

Manufacturers in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea, play a crucial role in the supply chain, with their products reaching markets across North America, Europe, and beyond. Regulatory bodies, like the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), oversee the safety and efficacy of acupuncture needles, ensuring they meet strict standards for use as medical devices.

Innovation within this market is ongoing, with developments aimed at enhancing the efficacy and safety of treatments. Examples include self-heating needles and advancements in the sterility of disposable needles. Such innovations, alongside supportive policies from governments and private entities, are fueling the market’s growth.

The acupuncture needles market is a dynamic segment of the healthcare industry, poised for continued growth. Stakeholders, including manufacturers, healthcare providers, and investors, stand to benefit from understanding the regulatory landscape, market trends, and technological advancements shaping this field.

Key Takeaways

• Market Growth: Expected to reach USD 678.5 Mn by 2033, growing at 8.5% CAGR, indicating strong market expansion.
• Product Dominance: Disposable needles hold 55% market share in 2023, driven by hygiene focus and safety regulations.
• Material Preference: Stainless steel leads with 45% market share in 2023, valued for durability and safety.
• End-use Dynamics: Hospitals lead with 46.1% market share in 2023, integrating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare.
• Driver: Increasing preference for alternative medicine fuels market growth, driven by concerns over conventional medication side effects.
• Restraint: Stringent regulatory environment poses challenges, impacting production costs and market growth.
• Opportunity: Integration into mainstream healthcare systems presents growth potential, supported by WHO recognition.
• Trend: Rising popularity of holistic and alternative medicine drives consumer preference for non-invasive health solutions.
• Regional Analysis: APAC leads with 44.2% market share in 2023, driven by traditional medical practices and governmental endorsements.

Product Analysis

In 2023, Disposable Needles segment becoming the largest segment with more than 55% of the market share. This supremacy is attributable to rise in concern for hygienic features and the strict safety requirements that health agencies globally establish. These regulations adopt the use of sterile fresh needles that are single-use hence increasing the market for disposable needles to reduce the incidence of infection. In addition, the usage of disposable needles has greatly benefited the acupuncture practices due to convenience and safety factors associated with it.

On the other hand, the Non-disposable Needles segment remains relevant as a niche segment in certain markets that prefer the traditional methods of acupuncture. These needles can be used over and over again after being sterilized; thus, they fulfill a rather specific market need, which revolves around the cultural-orthodox practice of acupuncture. Although the non-disposable needles’ market is rapidly evolving due to increased adoption of healthcare services across the world, the global emphasis on patient protection and hygiene is slowly restricting the market’s growth potential. These are the reasons safety and the availability of one-use items continue to dominate this aspect of life.

More specifically, the forecast for future developments is that the Disposable Needles segment will remain the dominating one on the market. This can be attributed to improvements in needle constructions, enhanced standards in health care, and emphasis on preventive health check up. The number of acupuncture health care practitioners has continued to increase globally and the patient’s increasing appreciation for aseptic treatments is set to boost disposable needles more in the future. New trends such as patient safety, and the incorporation of contemporary practices in the delivery of health care services are key players that are set to influence the future growth of the Acupuncture Needles market.

Material Analysis

In 2023, the Acupuncture Needles Market saw the Stainless Steel segment leading with over 45% market share, largely due to stainless steel’s strength, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with medical sterilization standards. These needles are preferred for their durability and safety, essential in medical practices. Meanwhile, gold and silver needles cater to a niche market, valued for their traditional and therapeutic properties. Gold needles are known for enhancing energy flow due to their conductive properties, whereas silver needles are sought after for their cooling effects, useful in treatments aimed at reducing inflammation.

The demand for gold and silver acupuncture needles is partly driven by their cultural significance and luxury status, although their higher costs and limited availability restrict market growth compared to stainless steel needles. Nonetheless, the interest in holistic and alternative medical practices is on the rise, potentially increasing the demand for these premium materials.

Technological advancements in material science may lower the costs, making gold and silver needles more accessible. As the market evolves, the enduring popularity of stainless steel needles is expected to remain stable, while the segments for gold and silver are projected to grow, reflecting a global trend towards more personalized and culturally diverse healthcare solutions.

End-use Analysis

In 2023, the Hospital segment led the Acupuncture Needles Market’s End-use Segment, boasting over 46.1% of the market share. This leading position stems from hospitals increasingly incorporating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare, particularly for pain management and treating various chronic diseases. The adoption of acupuncture in hospitals has significantly boosted the demand for acupuncture needles, reflecting the growing trust in acupuncture’s therapeutic benefits.

Concurrently, the Clinics segment also marked its strong presence in the market. The surge in specialized acupuncture clinics and wellness centers, coupled with a rising preference for personalized healthcare, has significantly contributed to the segment’s growth. The Others segment, which includes home care settings, academic and research institutions, and alternative medicine centers, also secured a notable market share. This reflects acupuncture’s broader application and accessibility across various health and wellness settings, catering to a growing consumer base seeking non-invasive and natural treatment options.

The expansion of the acupuncture needles market is further fueled by increasing global awareness of acupuncture’s benefits, technological advancements in needle design for improved safety and comfort, and a demographic shift towards populations more susceptible to conditions that acupuncture can effectively treat. The market is on a path of steady growth, driven by a blend of factors including higher adoption rates, technological innovations, and a shift towards holistic treatment approaches.

Key Market Segments

Product

• Disposable Needles
• Non-disposable Needles

Material

• Stainless Steel
• Gold
• Silver

End-use

• Hospital
• Clinics
• Others

Drivers

Increasing Preference for Alternative Medicine

The Global Acupuncture Needles Market is expanding, and the primary cause of this growth is the rising demand for acupuncture needles in the healthcare sector. This is particularly the case where there are worries over side effects of orthodox medicines, and a growing embrace of comprehensive health solutions is driving this. One of the most common practices of traditional Chinese medicine is acupuncture, which has gained popularity in recent years because of the satisfactory results in treating pain and chronic diseases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is evident that there has been a massive incorporation of traditional and complementary medicine into national systems of medicine all over the world in the last two decades. Further, the survey conducted by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that 38% of adult and 12% of children use CAM including acupuncture. The survey also showed the following CAM practices like deep breathing, meditation, massage therapy, and yoga was also on the rise between 2002 and 2007.

They support the notion of perceived therapeutic value of acupuncture and comparable practices, while signifying a move toward more efficient and patient-centered medical treatments. Therefore, this trend is driving the market for acupuncture needles higher, and placing them at the very core of acupuncture practices in the sphere of alternative medicine.

Restraints

Regulatory Hurdles

This is because the Global Acupuncture Needles Market has its fair share of issues to deal with, specifically in terms of the strict regulatory situation. As acupuncture needles fall under the medical devices category, they require a lot of regulatory control. In countries such as the U. S and Europe these needles are required to meet safety and efficacy requirements that are set by regulatory authorities such as the FDA and the EMA.

Adherence with these regulations can be costly and time-consuming and therefore lead to increased production costs and delayed product releases. While this regulation may help in controlling certain practices within the market, it may also hamper the growth of the market. For example, regulatory requirements for approval from the Food and Drug Administration often lengthen product launch schedules and impact revenue models of players within this industry.

Opportunities

Integration Of Acupuncture Into Mainstream Healthcare Systems

The integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare systems represents a significant opportunity for the global acupuncture needles market. With the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizing the value of traditional, complementary, and integrative healthcare (TCIH), including acupuncture, efforts are underway to ensure access, safety, and effective integration into health systems.

The WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 outlines objectives such as increasing the evidence base for TCIH, regulating TCIH practices, and integrating TCIH into health systems to achieve universal health coverage​​. This strategic direction is underpinned by the understanding that traditional medicine, including acupuncture, has historically contributed to conventional medicine and continues to hold promise, with about 40% of pharmaceutical products today drawing from traditional knowledge​.

Moreover, the WHO reports that 170 of its member states acknowledge the use of traditional medicine by their populations, reflecting a global recognition of its value​​. The increasing body of research, with over 26,000 clinical trials on complementary therapies including acupuncture in the Cochrane Central database as of September 2023, highlights a growing acceptance and demand for evidence-based traditional and complementary medicine practices​.

This acceptance, coupled with regulatory efforts to ensure the quality and safety of TCIH practices and practitioners, paves the way for acupuncture’s integration into conventional healthcare settings. Such integration not only legitimizes acupuncture within the broader medical community but also expands the market for acupuncture needles as more healthcare providers adopt acupuncture as a viable treatment option.

Trends

Rising Popularity of Holistic and Alternative Medicine

Conversely, a significant trend that bolsters the Global Acupuncture Needles Market is the increasing popularity of holistic and alternative medicine among the general population. This shift in consumer preference is driven by a growing awareness of the potential side effects associated with conventional medications and treatments, coupled with a desire for more natural and non-invasive health solutions. Acupuncture, recognized for its therapeutic benefits and minimal side effects, is gaining traction as a preferred method for managing various health conditions, including chronic pain, stress, and migraines.

This trend is further supported by a number of scientific studies validating the efficacy of acupuncture, which in turn, fosters greater acceptance and integration of acupuncture into mainstream healthcare systems. The rise in demand for acupuncture services is expected to drive the growth of the acupuncture needles market, as more practitioners seek high-quality, reliable tools to meet patient needs.

Regional Analysis

In 2023, APAC held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 44.2% share and holds USD 132.6 million market value for the year. This substantial market presence can be attributed to increasing acceptance of acupuncture therapies, bolstered by traditional medical practices prevalent in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Furthermore, governmental endorsements and integrative medical practices have significantly contributed to the market’s growth in this region.

North America also exhibited a robust expansion in the acupuncture needles market, driven by a growing awareness of holistic health practices and the rising prevalence of chronic pain and stress-related ailments. In the United States and Canada, acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a viable alternative or complement to conventional medical treatments, leading to a broader acceptance among both healthcare professionals and patients.

The European market is characterized by a growing preference for non-pharmacological treatments, especially in Western European countries such as Germany, the UK, and France. The region’s stringent regulatory standards for acupuncture needles ensure high-quality products, thereby boosting consumer confidence and driving market growth. Additionally, the increasing number of trained acupuncture practitioners in Europe is expanding the accessibility of these treatments to a larger population.

Latin America and the Middle East & Africa regions are experiencing gradual growth in the acupuncture needles market. This growth is primarily driven by the slow yet steady rise in alternative medical practices along with increasing government initiatives to regulate and promote such practices. These regions present untapped potential due to their developing healthcare infrastructure and growing awareness about the benefits of acupuncture.

Key Regions

• North America
  • The US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Portugal
  • Ireland
  • Austria
  • Switzerland
  • Benelux
  • Nordic
  • Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
  • Russia
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Greece
  • Rest of Eastern Europe
• APAC
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Costa Rica
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Algeria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Kuwait
  • Nigeria
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

In the competitive realm of the Acupuncture Needles Market, several key players are making notable strides. Among these, 3B SCIENTIFIC GMBH stands out, leveraging its expertise in medical devices to offer innovative acupuncture solutions. WUXI JIAJIAN MEDICAL DEVICES CO. LTD. also commands a significant presence, known for its commitment to manufacturing excellence and customer satisfaction. Dana Medical Co. is another prominent contender, renowned for its dedication to product quality and safety, earning trust globally.

AcuMedic Ltd. distinguishes itself with a holistic approach to healthcare and a comprehensive product range. Alongside these frontrunners, other key players contribute unique strengths and perspectives to the market’s dynamic landscape. Company profiles offer valuable insights into their backgrounds, operations, and strategic initiatives, aiding stakeholders in understanding the market better. As competition intensifies, companies must continually innovate and adapt to maintain their competitive edge in this evolving market.

Market Key Players

• 3B SCIENTIFIC GMBH
• WUXI JIAJIAN MEDICAL DEVICES CO. LTD.
• Dana Medical Co.
• Suzhou Zhongjing Life & Science Technology Co. Ltd.
• Shinylink (Shanghai) Industrial Inc.
• AcuMedic Ltd.
• asia-med GmbH
• SEIRIN
• Boen Healthcare Co. Ltd.
• Suzhou Hualun Medical Appliance Co. Ltd.
• Other Key Players

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Suzhou Zhongjing Life & Science Technology Co. Ltd. established a partnership with a prominent distributor, a strategic move intended to broaden the company’s presence within the European market.
• In May 2023, 3B Scientific GmbH introduced a new series of acupuncture needles, specifically designed to offer enhanced biocompatibility. This innovation aims to cater to acupuncturists who prioritize patient comfort in their practices.
• In October 2023, AcuMedic Ltd. completed the acquisition of a smaller competitor. This acquisition has effectively strengthened AcuMedic’s market position within the United Kingdom’s acupuncture needle industry.

Report Scope