“What do acupuncture needles feel like?”
I want to get acupuncture for my anxiety but I'm scared of having needles inserted into my skin. Can you describe what these needles feel like?
16 Answers
Painless pressure. Change the name from needle to pin and it doesn't sound so scary
Get massage therapy.
You don't even feel of needle insertion around75% time. Unlike the injection needles, acupuncture needles are solid inside, also called dry needles. So acupuncture needles squeeze into the tissues to reach the desired spots; on the other hand, injection needles are wet ones; they have a mini tube inside to carry a liquid/drug. When this type of needles injects in the body, it breaks the skin where irritates sensory nerve first; so we all feel the sharp pain 90% of the time.
Well it’s actually different by the type of needle and the type of needler - I know that doesn’t offer much relief! But there are much better needles than others (Seirins and DBCs are some of the best) and then there are Acupuncturists that are heavy handed and those that are gentle. But it can be nearly painless.
You may feel a little prick when the needle goes in, that's normal. If you feel any sharp, burning, or pinching sensations after the needle is set, tell your practitioner right away. They will remove the needle and the pain will stop within a few moments.
I will note, however, that the more scared you are, the more bothersome the needles will be. Breathe deep and allow your body to relax. If you find you're having difficulty, tell your practitioner and they can count down or insert the needle with your exhale. Remember that you are in a safe space and in complete control. If you are uncomfortable at any point, tell your practitioner and they can remove the needles and allow you time to rest.
I will note, however, that the more scared you are, the more bothersome the needles will be. Breathe deep and allow your body to relax. If you find you're having difficulty, tell your practitioner and they can count down or insert the needle with your exhale. Remember that you are in a safe space and in complete control. If you are uncomfortable at any point, tell your practitioner and they can remove the needles and allow you time to rest.
The most you will feel (if anything) is like a mosquito bite.
Most of the time, you feel nothing when having needles inserted into your skin, but some acupuncture points may cause a pinch.
Hi!
Sure, most patients are amazed at how they do not feel any discomfort with the exception of a slight prick when they first go in. If you are truly afraid of needles, you could potentially start with acupressure, and cupping.
Sure, most patients are amazed at how they do not feel any discomfort with the exception of a slight prick when they first go in. If you are truly afraid of needles, you could potentially start with acupressure, and cupping.
Acupuncture can help with anxiety, that is a fact. An acupuncture needle is thinner than your hair. Different people have different feelings about this experience. Some points are a bit more sensitive than others. But overall, it is not bad. And in case you cannot handle it, there are always other methods to be used to take care of your problem.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Be well, be confident, we can help.
Every patient feels a different reaction. Some of my patients have informed me of an electric feeling, soreness around the acupuncture point, a fish grabbing onto the hook, or a vibration.
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.
Upon insertion, tingling, numbness, and heaviness will be felt. This is working on the nervous system to relax muscles and boost immunity.
Find someone who uses Japanese needles and you will hardly feel them, if at all. I treat young children without complaint using Japanese needles, which are about the size of your hair. One patient described them as being like cat whiskers.
There are different feelings depending on what area is being treated and what technique is being used. Be sure to let your practitioner know your fears so they can help walk you through or tier you up to different styles. Basically, the insertion is a minor (and I mean minor) prick - you've had worse pain through hitting your arm or getting a splinter. Most times you cannot even feel the insertion, so a lot of practitioners will just insert and leave it there. Sometimes, there is a feeling of energy running up or down the body like a zap from your elbow to your fingers (funny bone hit type feeling or tingle). If the needle "hurts" (I mean REALLY hurts), then it's probably a bad insertion. Just tell the practitioner and they'll take it out and reinsert so it's not resting on a painful spot. Other techniques will elicit more intense feelings, but for now, just ask your practitioner to do gentle needling and you'll be fine.
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 may have needling sensation (soreness, numbness...) but not pain. You should go to acupuncture clinic and ask the acupuncturist to show you the really size of needle.
I can describe what it might feel like for me, but everyone can experience a different sensation. Those sensations range from nothing, to a slight pinch on insertion followed by nothing, to a range of potential experiences which usually fall in to a bucket labeled "Ok, if you feel them."
Potential 'ok' sensations include: a short lived electrical/pins and needles sensation that propagates up or down from the needle location, a dull throbbing or aching around the needle site or a mild sense of distention around the needle as though someone is blowing a balloon up under the skin.
This is complicated by the fact that some needle locations are more tender than others. A lot depends on what your chief complaint is, what your Chinese diagnosis is and how your provider chooses to treat that diagnosis.
If it helps any, acupuncture needles are solid and roughly the diameter of a cat's whisker. The longer needles can actually be tied in to a knot by someone with sufficient dexterity.
Acupuncture can be a very good choice for treating anxiety. If you don't already have an acupuncturist, shop around a little and take advantage of any free consults that might be offered. Get a feel for the providers in your area and pick someone you feel like you can trust. You can start with the "Find a Practitioner" page at NCCAOM.org.
Potential 'ok' sensations include: a short lived electrical/pins and needles sensation that propagates up or down from the needle location, a dull throbbing or aching around the needle site or a mild sense of distention around the needle as though someone is blowing a balloon up under the skin.
This is complicated by the fact that some needle locations are more tender than others. A lot depends on what your chief complaint is, what your Chinese diagnosis is and how your provider chooses to treat that diagnosis.
If it helps any, acupuncture needles are solid and roughly the diameter of a cat's whisker. The longer needles can actually be tied in to a knot by someone with sufficient dexterity.
Acupuncture can be a very good choice for treating anxiety. If you don't already have an acupuncturist, shop around a little and take advantage of any free consults that might be offered. Get a feel for the providers in your area and pick someone you feel like you can trust. You can start with the "Find a Practitioner" page at NCCAOM.org.
