Does acupuncture hurt?

“Acupuncture” means to puncture the skin at a specific point (with a needle). Because acupuncture needles are quite thin, they are virtually painless upon insertion, although sometimes you’ll feel a small pricking sensation where the needle has been placed. You will then feel a unique sensation that has been described variously as tingling, heaviness, a deep dull ache, warmth or nothing at all. Each person’s experience is different, and sometimes one point has a different sensation than another. Many people become so relaxed during the 20-45 minute treatment that they fall asleep (really).  Some people are uncomfortable just saying the word “needle” because of negative associations with them in a Western context. One patient suggested re-naming them the “magic healing sticks”!