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.
A Final Thought
Most of the time, the condition you're coming in for such as chronic pain, tension, stress, and others 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.
- Stay Healthqi
