This paper summarizes the evolvement of the needle manipulation techniques described in the textbooks of Acupuncture and Moxibustion of the past successive 10 editions in Chinese, analyzes the reasons for the evolvement and its impact on clinical treatment, and proposes future developing trends. After analyzing characteristics of needle-manipulation techniques of the well-known Chinese acupuncture specialists, and those described in multi-editions of the textbooks, we found that the currently evoluted contents primarily contain the definition and types of manipulating techniques. However, the reasons for the evolvement and connotation of needle manipulating are probably due to a) undefined descriptions in the history; b) changes in the academic studies and clinical application of acupuncture and moxibustion during the textbook compilation; c) the well-known specialists' and the participated editors' academic thoughts; d) the textbook content setting needs, etc. The evolvement reflects the changed preoccupations of factors affecting clinical efficacy of acupuncture manipulations, and facilitates the implementation of standardized clinical operative procedures. The development of current acupuncture needle manipulation techniques emphasizes the quantification of manual manipulations, fits clinical needs, and pays more attention to the pressing hand during needle insertion.
Keywords: Acupuncture and Moxibustion; Acupuncture needle manipulation techniques; Evolvement of needle manipulation techniques.