“Does Acupuncture Hurt?”
© 2020 by Dr. David B. Meredith, D.Ac.
It's one of the most common questions I get from people unfamiliar with what I do, or from people who would like to schedule an appointment but are afraid of needles.
Sometimes I answer jokingly: "It hurts less than your back pain," or whatever their concern is, but I understand that this is a genuine concern, probably based on people's varied experiences with hypodermic needles, so let's talk it out.
Acupuncture needles are usually around the width of a human hair. In some gauges, about twenty of them will fit into the hole of the sort of hypodermic needle that you would get an injection from, so the sensation is nothing at all like you'd get from a shot at the physician's office.
The absolute worst feeling most people feel is a very minor stinging sensation that is gone within a second or two. In most locations, they don't even feel that much. Often people are surprised the needle has already been inserted. Sometimes there is a heavy spreading sensation like a dull ache. Sometimes there's a very minor zing or pulse that feels like electricity. Sometimes the area just feels warm.
Of course, all of this varies slightly, depending on the person or the location of the point being needled – and there are mitigating precautions we can take like numbing the area with a herbal topical agent – but what I can say with certainty is that what it does not feel like is getting an injection!
Acupuncture needles are usually left in position for fifteen to thirty minutes. If there is any sensation at all after a few seconds, the needle can be slightly adjusted to eliminate it. Before I leave the room, I adjust body positioning, temperature, and sound to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
And then what happens?
Usually even the most nervous person will deeply relax. There may be tingling or warm sensation that flows around in the body. The physical or emotional symptoms that led you to seek treatment will start to fade. In other words, you will feel very good! The most common thing I hear when returning to the treatment room to discharge the client is, "I want to stay here all day!"
All of this is to say, the question of "does acupuncture hurt?" focuses very heavily on the most transitory part of the experience. The more lasting sensation is relaxation and relief of whatever was bothering you.