Is acupuncture painful?

Some people may assume that acupuncture is very painful. That's a misconception. The needles used for acupuncture are solid and extremely fine - much thinner than those used for injections and blood drawing. When the needles reach the acupuncture points, there is a sensation that could be described as tingling or numbing, rather than "painful." Sometimes the sensation may transfer to other parts of the body. ... more

Acupuncture is a unique personal experience, everyone reacts differently to the needle insertion, but for most individuals it is virtually painless. Some people feel a sensation of heaviness, an ache or tingling around the area of the needle, this is called "De Qi" or the arrival of Qi. This feeling is an indication that the bodies healing powers have been stimulated. If you find the sensation uncomfortable or disquieting let the practitioner know and they will remove the needle. Sometimes you may feel the needle sensation after the needle has been removed. This is normal and the sensation usually dissipates a few minutes after the needles are removed although in some cases it can last for several hours. ... more

Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner causes no discomfort. You may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment. In some cases, your practitioner may also recommend dietary, exercise, or lifestyle changes and an herbal regimen. ... more

Due to the fact that acupuncture needles are hair-thin and are not hollow like a syringe, they cause very minimal, if any pain at all. Once needles are in place, patients have reported feeling very relaxed, a warm or cool sensation running throughout the body, a tingling sensation, energized, or sleepy. ... more

Acupuncture may cause swelling, tingling, or numbness, but it is rarely painful unless a psychological condition or phobia exists. ... more

In our practice we employ the Japanese style of acupuncture which emphasizes shallow insertion of needles with minimal manipulation. In general we use needles made in Japan with the finest gauge. Rarely do patients experience any discomfort. However if our patients are needle phobic it is entirely possible to conduct a treatment using moxa, cupping and even colours to provide the same level of results. We also use specialized equipment designed by Dr Manaka. ... more

Japanese acupuncture needles are hardly painful. A person might say they feel a little prick or sensation, but it does not hurt. ... more

I've had acupuncture done, as well as acupunture that they add energy pulses through. Regular acupunture doesn't hurt, its just like a little pin prick, then you can't even feel it. If you watch mentally you'll make it into a bigger deal, rather if you just lay back and think about something else. If you have the electricity added, it just feels like little jolts of electricity going through you, they adjust it and you can say if it hurts to much or not. Acupunturist are trained to place needles in specific spots, so they know what they are doing. Don't fear them, just give it a chance. ... more

It can be if done by the wrong practitioner! Acupuncture is not supposed to be painful. So seek out a qualified acupuncturist of at least 3 years training and not one who took a 300 hour course in "stabbing" people. Find a qualified acupuncturist here: http://www.tcmdirectory. ... more

The acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel and are very slender (as thin as a strand of hair). Acupuncture is generally painless. Most people do not even feel the needles going in, or they may feel a very small prick. Following the insertion of the needles you may feel a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, radiating warmth, or heaviness-this is the qi moving. Many people find the treatments very relaxing and will sometimes even nap during them. You may feel more energetic in the days following the treatment. ... more