Does Acupuncture Hurt?
If you’ve ever been curious about acupuncture but held back because you’re worried it might hurt, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get in clinic and the good news is, acupuncture is generally very gentle.
What Does It Feel Like?
The sensation can range from feeling nothing at all to something as mild as a mosquito bite. Some patients don't even realize the needle has already been inserted. Other times, when the needle first touches the skin, it might feel sharp for a second and that’s your nervous system responding, which is completely normal. Once the needle is in place, people often describe the sensation as achy, dull, heavy, warm, or like gentle pressure. These are all signs that the body is responding and the treatment is working.
Sensitive Areas
Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, such as the palms, bottom of the feet, and the face. These parts naturally have more nerve endings so they may feel a bit more tender. Even then, the discomfort is usually brief and manageable.
Needle Size: A Surprising Comparison
Many people are surprised when they see how thin acupuncture needles really are. In the image below, the two needles on the left are commonly used for blood draws and vaccines. As you can see how thick they are in comparison.
The two needles on the right are acupuncture needles and they’re much thinner! Some are even as fine as a strand of hair. Their slim, flexible design is what makes acupuncture so gentle and often painless. Much thinner than you imagined huh?
There are also different needle sizes in acupuncture. We select the width and length based on what’s appropriate for each area of your body and your treatment goals. Comfort is always a priority.
How Many Needles Are Used?
Depending on your condition, a treatment might use anywhere from just a few needles to around 10–20. Each one is placed with care and intention. It’s never about quantity, it’s about precision and purpose.
What Happens After the Needles Go In?
Once the needles are in place, you’ll rest quietly for 20–30 minutes while your body does the work. Most people find this part deeply calming. It’s often when the real magic happens: the nervous system settles, tension melts, and your body shifts into healing mode.
Why Do People Keep Coming Back?
One of the most surprising things for new patients is how relaxed they feel during and after a treatment. Even people who were nervous at first often end up falling asleep on the table. It’s not uncommon to hear, "That was way more relaxing than I expected."
Acupuncture does more than just address pain. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), which helps your body unwind and begin the healing process. This explains why people come in for stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and even digestive issues and not just pain.
First-Time Tips
If it’s your first time, let your acupuncturist know! We’ll walk you through each step and check in often to make sure you’re comfortable. There’s no pressure to be brave or pretend you’re not nervous, we get it and we’re here to support you.
How Do You Know It’s Working?
Some people feel changes right away, others may need a few sessions. Everyone’s healing timeline is different, and we’ll track your progress together. Relief may come in the form of less pain, better sleep, a calmer mind, or just feeling more like yourself again.
Common Myths About Acupuncture Pain
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Myth: Acupuncture needles are like hypodermic needles. Truth: Acupuncture needles are much thinner and designed to glide into the skin with minimal sensation.
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Myth: If it hurts, it means something's wrong. Truth: A brief tingle or heaviness is often a sign that your body is responding to treatment in a positive way.
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Myth: Sensitive people can’t handle acupuncture. Truth: Acupuncturists work with each patient individually. If you're sensitive, we adjust needle size, depth, and technique to keep you comfortable.
A Final Thought
Most of the time, the condition you're coming in for such as chronic pain, tension, or stress is more uncomfortable than the needle itself. Here’s something interesting: feeling the needle sensations (within reason) can actually help us achieve better results, especially when we’re working with the body’s energy (qi) to bring about healing.
So if you’re worried about pain, you can relax. Acupuncture is designed to work with your body, not against it.
Still have questions? Reach out, I'm happy to guide you through it.
- Stay grounded. Stay Healthqi.
