In National Standards (GB) as well as the textbooks used in TCM universities, the twirling angles of acupuncture manipulation vary a lot. By reviewing the previous editions of textbooks from 3 publication houses and comparing the relevant contents, the author calculated the arc lengths of various twirling angles based on the specification of filiform needle in National Standards (GB) and International Standards (ISO). The conclusion is that the twirling angles mentioned in National Standards (GB) and textbooks are too small and not in compliance with the clinical practice. Hence, it is not advisable to propose a rigid specific provision of twirling angle in acupuncture manipulation.
Keywords: National Standard; acupuncture-moxibustion; filiform needle; textbook; twirling angle.