Acupuncture Needles Market Assessment, By Type [Disposable Needles, Non-Disposable Needles], By Material [Stainless Steel, Silver, Copper, Others], By Application [Arthritis, Menstrual Cramps, Headaches and Migraines, Sports Injuries, Others], By End-user

Acupuncture Needles Market Assessment, By Type [Disposable Needles, Non-Disposable Needles], By Material [Stainless Steel, Silver, Copper, Others], By Application [Arthritis, Menstrual Cramps, Headaches and Migraines, Sports Injuries, Others], By End-user [Hospitals, Clinics, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global acupuncture needles market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.99% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 271.64 million in 2023 to USD 466.50 million in 2031. The market is subjected to grow over in the forecast period due to several underlying factors.

The tiny, sterile needles used in acupuncture, a traditional Chinese instrument called acupuncture needles, are not the same as other kinds of needles, such as the hypodermic needles used for blood draws and injections. When the needles prickle the nerves, the body reacts by releasing endorphins and other substances. Stainless steel, gold, and silver versions, as well as non-disposable ones, are commonly available. They help in the management of disorders related to the digestive system, gynecology, joints, and paralysis. Since acupuncture needles have rounded points that reduce the possibility of bleeding, infection, discomfort, or cutting tissue, they are less expensive than injection needles. As millennials are more likely to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and obesity, the market is expected to grow.

Several factors, including the adoption of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking, are the primary causes of the growth in chronic diseases. Since acupuncture is a successful treatment for chronic disorders, its use is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years. Additional factors, including growing consumer healthcare spending and the growing usage of acupuncture for treating drug addiction and mental disorders, are projected to fuel the industry. For instance, AcuPips launched a home therapy kit ear seed package for the United Kingdom market in December 2023. Ear therapy, which is a kind of classic acupuncture focused solely on the ear, includes ear seed treatments. AcuPips acuseeds help in reducing stress and anxiety.

Advancements in Technology Fueling the Market Growth

Technological advancements are significantly propelling the growth of the acupuncture needles market by improving the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of acupuncture treatments. Innovations in needle design and manufacturing processes are crucial to this progress. Modern acupuncture needles are often made with high-quality stainless steel, ensuring better durability and reduced risk of breakage. These needles feature ultra-fine tips, achieved through advanced machines, which allow for less painful and more precise insertion, enhancing patient comfort and treatment outcomes. Additionally, developments in sterilization techniques, such as the use of gamma rays and ethylene oxide gas, have improved the safety profile of acupuncture needles, reducing the risk of infections and making them more appealing to both practitioners and patients. The integration of single-use, disposable needles has further mitigated contamination risks, aligning with stringent regulatory standards and boosting market growth. Technological advancements are also facilitating the adoption of electronic acupuncture. Devices that combine traditional needle therapy with electrical stimulation are gaining popularity for their enhanced therapeutic effects, particularly in pain management and musculoskeletal conditions. These devices allow for precise control of the intensity and frequency of electrical impulses, providing customizable treatment options that cater to individual patient needs. Moreover, the digitalization of healthcare is expanding the reach of acupuncture.

Telemedicine platforms and mobile health applications enable practitioners to offer remote consultations and guidance, increasing the accessibility of acupuncture services. This integration of digital technologies supports market expansion by reaching a broader patient base and promoting the benefits of acupuncture to a wider audience. The introduction of stainless-steel needles is also a testament to advancements because of their benefits that can improve the quality of treatments.. For instance, acupuncture needles made of stainless steel are durable and dependable, according to a National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) article from July 2023. These needles are made from premium stainless steel, which guarantees their durability and corrosion resistance. When it comes to acupuncture treatments, their capacity to stay sharp with repeated use makes them the go-to option for practitioners looking for dependable and regular results.

Increasing Geriatric Population Leading to Market Expansion

The growing geriatric population is significantly driving the growth of the acupuncture needles market. As the global population ages, there is a rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders, which are particularly common among the geriatric population. These conditions often lead individuals to seek alternative and complementary therapies like acupuncture for pain relief and overall wellness. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has gained widespread acceptance and recognition in modern healthcare for its effectiveness in managing pain and enhancing quality of life, particularly among the elderly. The increasing awareness and acceptance of acupuncture as a viable treatment option among healthcare providers and patients alike have led to a greater demand for acupuncture services and, consequently, acupuncture needles.

Furthermore, the geriatric population often seeks non-pharmacological treatment options to avoid the side effects associated with long-term medication use. Acupuncture offers a natural and drug-free alternative, making it an attractive option for older adults. The safety profile of acupuncture, with minimal adverse effects, further boosts its popularity among this age group. The expanding elderly demographic also stimulates market growth through increased healthcare spending. As governments and healthcare systems adapt to the needs of an aging population, there is a greater allocation of resources toward holistic and preventive care, including acupuncture. In August 2023, an article published by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) stated that 78.7% of people 60 years of age and older had two or more diseases, while 94.9% had at least one disease. About 42% of people over 60 are obese, and obesity can raise one's chance of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among other illnesses. Acupuncture has a low risk of adverse effects; older patients are more likely to choose this course of treatment. It also aids in body pain reduction, offering both psychological and physical comfort.

Increasing Dominance of Disposable Needles Segment Leading to Market Growth

The disposable needles segment is a significant driver of growth in the acupuncture needles market, reflecting broader trends in healthcare towards safety, hygiene, and patient well-being. One of the primary factors contributing to this growth is the increasing awareness of the risks associated with reusable needles, such as cross-contamination and infections. Disposable needles mitigate these risks by ensuring each needle is used only once, thus maintaining stringent hygiene standards. Regulatory guidelines and recommendations from health authorities and professional bodies are also propelling the adoption of disposable acupuncture needles. These entities emphasize the importance of single-use medical devices to prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases. Consequently, acupuncture practitioners and clinics are increasingly opting for disposable needles to comply with these regulations and ensure patient safety. Technological advancements and improvements in manufacturing processes have further facilitated the growth of this segment.

Modern disposable acupuncture needles are produced with high precision, offering superior quality and consistent performance, which enhances treatment efficacy and patient comfort. Additionally, the availability of a wide range of disposable needles catering to different acupuncture techniques and patient needs has expanded their use among practitioners. Economic factors also play a role in driving this market segment. Although disposable needles might seem costlier initially, the reduced risk of complications and infections translates into long-term savings for healthcare providers and patients. Overall, the disposable needles segment is crucial in advancing the acupuncture needles market by prioritizing patient safety, regulatory compliance, technological innovation, and economic efficiency. Seirin's J-Type acupuncture needles have been a staple in the market for several years, but they continue to innovate and improve their products. A notable update to their disposable needle line occurred in 2022 when Seirin enhanced the quality and variety of their J-Type needles, incorporating practitioner feedback to refine the user experience and patient comfort further. This update highlights the ongoing development and adoption of disposable acupuncture needles in the industry.

Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Global Acupuncture Needles Market

Asia-Pacific is predicted to witness the fastest growth rate in the acupuncture needle market over the course of the research period due to the region's developing healthcare infrastructure. Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as a legitimate and effective medicinal technique in China and Japan. Furthermore, it is expected that the growing medical tourism industry will play a major role in driving market expansion. An increase in the number of acupuncture therapy facilities is anticipated to fuel the growth of the acupuncture needles market in Asia Pacific. Moreover, growing support from public and private organizations, as well as R&D expenditures for research and improvement, are significant growth drivers anticipated to propel the market throughout the period. One important factor driving market expansion in this area is the existence of major players. Research published in February 2023 by Elsevier Ltd. projected that between 2020 and 2030, the prevalence of diabetes among Chinese adults aged 20-79 years is expected to rise from 8.2% to 9.7%. The overall expense of diabetes rose by 6.32% annually, from USD 250.2 billion to USD 460.4 billion.

Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)

Acupuncture has been demonstrating significant results. The National Institutes of Health has looked at complementary and alternative medicine as a potential pain management alternative during a shortage of opioids. More funds are now available for scientific studies on therapies using alternative medicine as a result of this. The main factors contributing to the anticipated growth of the acupuncture needles market are the increasing demand from the geriatric population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases that these Asian traditional treatments can treat. Since there are no side effects of acupuncture, there is increasing adoption among patients for acupuncture. Players in this market are expanding at an unparalleled rate, introducing cost-effective and efficient technologies. Government policies and policies made by welfare bodies are also greatly fueling the market expansion. For instance, to preserve and advance the practice of acupuncture, a committee on the intangible cultural heritage of acupuncture was founded in Shanghai in December 2023.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Several companies such as Boen Healthcare Co., Ltd., 3B Scientific GmbH, Suzhou Hualun Medical Appliance Co., Ltd., Wuxi Jiajian Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., AcuMedic Ltd., Asia-med GmbH, Seirin Corporation, Dongbang Medical Co., Ltd., Hegu Svenska AB, Dana Medical Co., Ltd., etc., are expanding business by planning and adopting new strategies. They are complying with new strategic initiatives regarding the launches of newly developed acupuncture needles to help researchers and strengthen their presence in the market. New product launches, agreements based on contracts, acquisitions and mergers, investments, and partnerships are a few ways through which they are trying to achieve the same.

For instance, Gansu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (GUCM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for an acupuncture certification program in May 2023 with two research institutes in Pakistan. This program aims to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Pakistan.