Acupuncturist Questions Acupuncture

Does acupuncture hurt?

I have bad skin and want to get acupuncture for my acne. But I am scared of needles and scared of the pain. Does acupuncture hurt?

33 Answers

No
No.
Not really. It is much less painful than people think.
Acupuncture is virtually painless. At some points, you may be aware of the insertion of the needle, but usually the sensation fades as your brain is desensitized. Facial skin tends to be slightly more reactive, but smaller and finer needles are used for places like the face or ears.
I don’t think so. It depends on the dexterity of the practitioner. Acupuncture can treat skin problems.
Most people don't experience pain when getting an acupuncture treatment. The needles are "hairlike" (very thin). There may be a slight sensation of the needle going in but that sensation is not long lasting. Most people experience a very relaxing sensation and rest easily for the 20-30 minute treatment.
Some people are more sensitive to the needles and others can't even tell that a needle was placed. Any sensation that is felt during the treatment should only last for a few seconds, that is usually a sign that the energy was blocked, but once it moves, the pain subsides. I also have a laser acupuncture device that I use for people who are scared of the needles.
The most you feel is a pinch in some of the needles and most you don't feel at all. The needles are hair thin and do not create pain like a hypodermic needle. We treat many patients who are fearful of the treatment and they are surprised at how painful it isn't, and they all return!
Pain from acupuncture treatment is very minimal. We can also do so without needles.
It does not hurt. Think of them as pins
Acupuncture doesn't really hurt, but there are areas on the body that are more sensitive than others, it also depends on the style of acupuncture and the quality of needles. You should tell your acupuncturist that you are sensitive to needles and looking for a gentle way of treatment
No, I don't think so since there are different sizes of needles that work for different cases.

Acupuncture needles are thinner than a human hair. It shouldn’t hurt but you will feel some sensations like tingling or heat. Sometimes you might feel a tiny prick but it doesn’t usually hurt and it’s just a second. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and healing!
Just a little bit.
Hi,

Yes, but a very little prick when the needles are first inserted. After they are in, you should not feel anything. Certain locations hurt more and certain areas hurt less. Try and see, don't suffer needlessly!

Sincerely, 

Scott Sang In Lee
Acupuncture needles are very thin needles. They are as thin as 0.25 mm. They are even thinner than sewing needles. The design of acupuncture needle with guiding tube to help the needle goes quickly through the skin so you will not feel much when needling. You should go to acupuncture clinic and ask the acupuncturist to show you the really size of needle.
Acupuncture needles are only slightly thicker than a human hair. That being said, if the acupuncturists uses the guide tube to insert the needle, it is barely a pinch. Depending upon what part of the body that the needles are inserted, the "pinch" or mosquito bite feeling can feel only slightly uncomfortable or have no sensation at all. I certainly would not call acupuncture painful. Good luck and be well!!
Acupuncture can hurt a bit, some Acupoints are more sensitive than others, all depend on the technique used or needed. In many cases, we can use herbs instead of needles. All depends on the case.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
It varies from person to person. This depends on how sensitive you are to needles.
No acupuncture does not hurt. It may feel a little funny at first because it can cause sensations that travel up and down the body in the meridians. This reflects increased circulation and is normal. The needles are thinner than a strand of hair in some cases and are so tiny that they sometimes are not even felt at all. It is nothing like giving blood and doesn’t even compare at all to getting a tattoo.
It depends on the licensed Acupuncturist. Some acupuncturists either are rough or smooth when insetting the needle. Some points on the body tend to be more painful than others.
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair, and their insertion is practically painless. The sensation is not comparable to receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, or heaviness moving up and down the body. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.
Sometimes, you may feel a bee sting. I have a female patient who wanted to try one needle. After I quickly inserted five needles, she told me that she only felt one insertion.
Most acupuncture points do not hurt.
The answer is yes, but that pain is relative and it will vary from day to day and practitioner to practitioner. Some acupuncturists may use thicker needles and a more aggressive needling style which can be more painful, and others are more gentle. But no matter how gentle we are, sometimes you will feel some pain. The pain is usually minimal, although other odd sensations like tingling, aching or electricity feelings come up, but it's all part of moving energy and getting things to regulate again. I also think that remembering that the needles don't inject or take anything out of the body is comforting, and 20 acupuncture needles can fit in the hole of a needle used to draw blood! Overall it's a very relaxing process with minimal pain.
You may feel a little prick when the needle goes in but outside of that, the needles themselves are painless. You may feel sensations from the needle stimulation which may travel, spread, or feel like pressure or heaviness. This is normal and actually a good sign that your body is interacting with the treatment. If a needle ever feels like it's burning, stinging, sharp, or pinching after it has been inserted, tell your practitioner right away. These sensations can occur if the needle doesn't penetrate the skin fast enough or if it's too close to a vein or capillary bed. The pain will stop once the needle is removed and the practitioner will re-insert in a better location.

In my experience, when a patient is very nervous and tenses up at mere the thought of needles, every needle will feel sharp. Remember to breath and allow your body to relax! You are in complete control. If you feel uncomfortable or scared at any point the practitioner can likely switch to other modalities and, if necessary, stop the treatment until you are ready.
No, no pain at all. Might have some slight pain in some special areas, but always can avoid it.
The needle is thinner than a strand of hair. It will not hurt.
It doesn't hurt like getting shots or getting a tattoo. You might feel an initial prick, but it's negligible. Some types of techniques feel stronger than others, but just stay in communication with your practitioner. We don't want patients in pain. Most feel relaxed and even fall asleep on the table.
Acupuncture does not have to hurt in order to be affective. Each practitioner's technique is different, so it's important to look for an acupuncturist who has built a reputation for being gentle. This information can usually be found by looking at patient testimonials.

Be sure to let your practitioner know your concern so they know to walk you through the process. After the first couple of needles are in, you'll see that it's a very relaxing and calming experience.
Find an acupuncturist who uses Japanese needles - a lot of them do. Then you most likely won't even feel the needles. I treat a 3 year old and a 6 year old and they look forward to their appointments. So don't be scared - just start calling around and asking for Japanese needles and you'll be fine!
Acupuncture can be quite painless but the degree of sensation with needling depends on several factors - the style of acupuncture practiced (Chinese, Korean, Japanese, etc), the types of needles used, the method employed by the acupuncturist (vigorous needle manipulation or not), the pain threshold of the patient. Discuss your concerns with your acupuncturist before your session so that your treatment can be tailored to your comfort.
Generally speaking, no, acupuncture doesn't hurt. Some points can be more tender than others and you might feel a slight pinching sensation in initial insertion of the needle. If this occurs, it should fade within seconds.