One of the most common questions people ask before having acupuncture is: “Does acupuncture hurt?”
The short answer is that acupuncture needles are very fine, and most people find the experience much less uncomfortable than they expected.
Acupuncture needles are considerably thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests. When they are inserted, you may feel a brief prick or a slight sensation on the skin, but for many people there is little or no discomfort.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Once a needle has been inserted, you may notice a variety of sensations. Some people feel almost nothing. Others describe a feeling of heaviness, warmth, tingling, or a gentle ache around the acupuncture point.
In Chinese medicine, these sensations have traditionally been described as part of the response to needling. The important thing is that acupuncture should not feel unnecessarily painful.
During a treatment, I pay attention not only to how you feel but also to how your body responds to the needles. If a needle feels uncomfortable, it can be adjusted or removed. There is no reason to endure significant pain during an acupuncture treatment.
Will I feel the needles being inserted?
Usually, only briefly. The sensation varies according to the individual acupuncture point and the person being treated. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, and occasionally a needle may produce a sharper sensation when it first enters the skin.
Acupuncture is a subtle treatment, and good needling does not require forcing a needle or causing pain. The aim is to stimulate the acupuncture point appropriately while keeping the treatment comfortable.
What happens after the needles are inserted?
Once the needles are in place, many people find the treatment surprisingly relaxing. You may become aware of a sense of heaviness or warmth, or simply find yourself becoming very still and relaxed.
Some people even fall asleep during treatment.
The needles are normally left in place for a period of time while you rest. I may also check your pulse during the treatment and make small adjustments according to how you are responding.
What if I am nervous about needles?
You certainly don’t need to be enthusiastic about needles to have acupuncture.
If you are nervous, it is helpful to tell me before we begin. We can take the treatment slowly and discuss what you are likely to experience before any needles are inserted. You can also let me know at any point if something feels uncomfortable.
For many people who are initially apprehensive, the experience turns out to be much gentler than they had imagined.
If you have been considering acupuncture but are worried about the needles, please feel free to get in touch. We can discuss what you are hoping to address and what you can expect from your first treatment.