① 针刺的角度：指进针时针身与皮肤表面所构成的夹角。有直刺、斜刺横刺三种。

1. The Angle Between the Needle and the Skin
Generally, there are three kinds: perpendicular, oblique and horizontal.

斜刺：针身与腧穴的皮肤表面呈45度角左右倾斜刺入，适用于肌肉较薄或穴下有重要脏器不宜深刺的部位。如胸、背部。

Oblique: The needle is inserted obliquely to form on angle of approximately 45 degree with the skin, suitable for the points where the muscle is thin or close to the important viscera. Points on the chest and back are often needled in this way.

横刺：又称平刺。针身与腧穴皮肤表面呈15度角左右沿皮刺入，适用于肌肉浅薄处。

Horizontal (also known as transverse insertion): The needle is inserted horizontally to form a 15-25 degree angle with the skin. This method is commonly used in the places where the muscle is thinnish.

② 针刺的深度：指针身刺入皮肉的深浅。以既有针感又不伤及重要脏器为原则。多根据体质、部位、病情而决定。如年老气血虚弱，小儿娇嫩之体、形体瘦弱以及头面、背部等宜浅刺；青壮年体质强壮或形体肥胖者，以及四肢臀腹部可适当深刺。

2. Depth of Needle Insertion
A proper depth of needles induces better needling sensation without hurting the important tissue and organs clinically, the depth of insertion mostly depends on the shape of the patient, the location of the points and the pathological condition. For the elderly often suffering from deficiency of Qi and blood, or for infants with delicate constitution, and such places as the head, face, and back, superficial insertion is advisable. For the young and middle-aged with musculature or fatty shape, or for the points on the four extremities, buttocks, and abdomen, deep insertion is employed.