Does Acupuncture Hurt? - The Whole, Honest Truth
I have heard other acupuncturists say that acupuncture doesn't hurt. I feel like that's not the complete and honest truth. In this article, as a licensed acupuncturist, I state my position about whether or not acupuncture hurts.
A Different Kind of Needle The first thing to realize is the distinction between acupuncture needles and a hypodermic (injection) needles. Acupuncture needles are very different from the kind of needle used to give an injection. Those needles must be thick enough to contain a hollow core sufficiently large to push medicine, vaccines or other substances through. The edges of the hollow tube of an injection needle are essentially sharpened razors that slice through the skin, so it should be no surprise that those types of needles can really hurt.
In contrast, acupuncture needles are much thinner, solid, and end in a sharp point. Because of these differences acupuncture needles enter the skin very easily and with very minimal discomfort. As an acupuncturist the most common remark I hear from someone receiving their first acupuncture needle is "Is it in?" In contrast, it is quite rare that I hear "ouch" or "that hurts" or anything like it.
The Guide Tube In order to further reduce the amount of pain associated with acupuncture many acupuncturists choose to use needle guide tubes. Most of the nerve endings in your skin are located at a very shallow depth. A guide tube is a tube that is slightly shorter than the acupuncture needle it is paired with. The tube goes around the acupuncture needle with the top most portion of the needle handle sticking out the top. The acupuncturist taps on the end of the needle handle to quickly (and hopefully painlessly) insert the needle past this most sensitive layer of skin. A guide tube can greatly reduce, or even eliminate the pain associated with inserting the acupuncture needle.
Everyone Is Different Every person is different, every acupuncture treatment is different, and every point is different. Frankly certain points do tend to briefly hurt. However, any pain or discomfort you feel should be fleeting. If it is not, your acupuncturist will want to know and will make any adjustments needed. Many people are surprised at how relaxing it is to rest with the needles inserted. I personally find that some of the best rest I have ever experienced has while briefly dozing while I have received acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncturists Care If you are concerned about needles it also may help to realize is that acupuncturists are people too. In fact, they are people who care enough about others to dedicate their lives to helping improve peoples' health, one person at a time. And acupuncturists see people who are afraid of, or hate needles all the time.
Your acupuncturist wants you to be comfortable and have a good experience so that you will return for follow-up treatment. And they know that if you don't have a good experience you won't refer your friends and family, even if your condition gets better!
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