The needles were found inside a jade tube within a gilded lacquer box, placed near the remains of Liu He, the Marquis of Haihun, a briefly reigning emperor, highlighting the importance of the find.

A wooden label inscribed with 'Nine Needles Complete' was discovered nearby, linking the artifacts to ancient Chinese medical texts that describe nine types of acupuncture needles.

The use of steel was a technological breakthrough because it offered durability, precision, and reduced infection risks compared to gold, silver, or iron, reflecting advanced medical craftsmanship.

The tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, discovered in 2011, has yielded over 10,000 artifacts, emphasizing its significance and providing valuable insights into early Chinese science, technology, and medicine.

This discovery represents the earliest physical evidence of steel acupuncture needles in China, showcasing an advanced integration of metallurgy and medical practice during that era.

Archaeologists have uncovered the world's oldest known steel acupuncture needles in a tomb in Jiangxi Province, China, dating back over 2,000 years to the Western Han Dynasty, marking a significant milestone in medical history.

Analysis of five fragmented needle remnants revealed they were made of steel produced through an ancient 'frying' process, with diameters comparable to modern acupuncture needles.