Abstract：Symbol- number thinking is a cognitive model used by ancient people to understand the world，which involves borrowing "symbols" and "numbers" for analogical reasoning and extrapolation. The ancient nine needles，nine types of acupuncture tools recorded in Huang Di Nei Jing （The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic），were closely related to the application of symbol- number thinking in their formation and use. The shapes and functions of the nine needles embody the principles of the Three Realms（Heaven， Earth， and Humanity） and yin-yang philosophy. Through regulating and guiding qi，they adapt to the changes of cold-heat and yin-yang in the human body，enabling different needles to have specific indications. This correspondence between needles and their indications reflects physiological or pathological information of certain aspects of the human body，serving as a microcosm of the body's overall information. Grasping the whole from local information embodies the characteristic of holographicness. With the progress of medicine and society， the new nine needles were developed by inheriting， innovating， and evolving from the ancient ones. Although symbol- number thinking has its limitations， its holographic feature has been further deepened in the formation and application of the new nine needles. This deepening not only improves the precision and effectiveness of acupuncture treatment but also enriches the connotation of symbol- number thinking in modern acupuncture.