Wanna know the #1 question we get asked when people find out we’re acupuncturists?
"Does it hurt?"
OK, we get it. We say "needle" and the first thing that pops into your head is "pain." But acupuncture is known to treat pain, not cause it!
The simplest answer to your question is, "No." In fact, many of our patients fall into such a deep state of relaxation that they will often fall asleep on the massage table. A handful of them even snore! The rest of them get so zoned out during treatments, they get up afterward and feel like they've been at a Grateful Dead concert for way too long. Yep, they're acu-stoned.
Acupuncture treats pain - not causes it!
But wait, are you thinking "How can anyone sleep with needles in them!?"
Well, pretty easily it turns out. The sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles (or "pins" as some needle-phobic patients like to call them) are as thin as a dog's whisker and generally feel like a tiny mosquito bite when they puncture the skin. The needles we use have a tiny droplet of silicone on the tip so that the needle actually glides between the skin cells instead of puncturing them. They really are the most comfortable acupuncture needles on the market.
Acupuncture needles are as thin as a hair and are basically painless.
We often tell patients that once the needles are in place, they might feel a variety of sensations: tingling, heaviness, warmth, etc. Some patients don't feel much at all and barely realize when the first needle has been inserted. We always let them know that if they have any discomfort at any time during the treatment, never hesitate to let us know - we’ll adjust or remove the needle in question.
"What if I just can't do it? I'm too afraid of needles?"
Are you one of those people who has a zillion tattoos but is still totally freaked out by needles? (Seriously, half our patients are covered in tattoos but still can't handle the thought of needles!) Well, have no fear because fire cupping, and moxa, and food therapy (and on and on and on) are all here! One of the wonderful things about acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine is that it uses a wide variety of methods (we call them modalities) to help bring about health and healing. Obviously, while acupuncture needling is the most well-known traditional Chinese medicine modality, we have a lot of other tools in our toolbox and can always work with you to find the right form of therapy to help you get better.
So, the long answer to the short question of "Does acupuncture hurt?" ends up being : No, but if you really are too freaked out to try it, no biggie. Healing help is still available if you want it.
*The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.
