Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Does acupuncture hurt is the #1 question I get asked…

The quick answer is it shouldn’t. You may very occasionally feel a mild discomfort sensation when the fine needle goes in, but usually you won’t. Often people feel nothing at all at this point.

During an acupuncture session, the acupuncturist inserts extremely thin acupuncture needles. These are then manipulated very gently to connect with the acupuncture point. At this point you may feel an unusual sensation that is difficult to describe, and is experienced differently by different patients and at different times.

What does acupuncture feel like?

For some patients, the needle sensation is pleasurable, like a warmth or tingling sensation. For some the acupuncture points are tender and you might feel very minimal discomfort. Most people describe the feeling as ‘a bit strange’ and like nothing they’ve felt before. It can feel a bit like a dull ache or mild pulling or dragging feeling. It can be felt at the point of the needle insertion or it might radiate up or down from that acupuncture point.

This needle sensation should fade within a few seconds and afterwards any sensation you may experience will be more bodily than at the site of the needle insertion. There should be no soreness and you should just be feeling very relaxed.

How do you know if acupuncture is working?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine this needle sensation is known as ‘de qi’ and it signals that the acupuncture needle has connected with the patient’s ‘qi’. This is an essential component of the acupuncture treatment and feedback from patients about what they feel helps me to know what the acupuncturist is doing is effective.

To start with it may take a little while for you to feel the sensation. As your health improves it will become easier to feel it.

Mostly you’ll know it’s working when you see a change in your symptoms. You may have chronic pain, struggles with your mental health, lower back pain, tension headaches or another health condition. Following a treatment plan will mean your symptoms start to improve. Other signs of healing will include better sleep, feeling calmer and feeling a bit more like yourself.

Why do some acupuncture points hurt more than others?

Sensation will depend on a number of factors. The type and size of the acupuncture needle and the needling technique can all make a difference. The location of the acupuncture points will also feel different – a point on your ankle will feel different to a point on your thigh. And sometimes around a point where there is a lot of stagnation you may feel a strong sensation.

What kind of needles are used for acupuncture?

Acupuncture needles are very different to a hypodermic needle used at the doctors to draw blood and administer injections. They are much finer, made of solid stainless steel and are inserted with the aid of a plastic guide tube that stretches out the skin to prevent any awareness of the needle going in. These fine needles are not much bigger than a human hair!

And remember, if you experience any pain please do say! Your acupuncturist can make small adjustments that will resolve this.

Want to know more about acupuncture therapy?