Acupuncture is often associated with pain, but this is a myth. Acupuncture does not hurt. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, and most people report feeling no pain or discomfort
during the procedure. Many people find acupuncture to be relaxing and even therapeutic.
There are a variety of factors that can affect how much pain you feel during acupuncture. One of the most important factors is the skill of the acupuncturist. A skilled acupuncturist will know how to insert needles into specific points on your body with minimal discomfort. Another factor that can affect your experience is whether or not you fear needles. If you do have a fear of needles, it’s essential to let your acupuncturist know so they can take steps to help you feel more comfortable.
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
What are some of the benefits of acupuncture?
Check out these FACTS vs MYTHS about Acupuncture
Myth: The needles for acupuncture are the same size as needles for shots and other medical procedures.
Fact: The average acupuncture needle is as thick as a human hair, ranging anywhere from .13mm to .25mm in diameter. They are single-use surgical grade stainless steel filiform needles that are sealed in a sterile pack before use.
People often confuse the tiny, solid filiform needles used for acupuncture with the hollow and thicker hypodermic needles used for other medical procedures, which usually range from .45mm to 1.1mm diameter.
The very fine needles or filaments are inserted into the skin at key points and in specific combinations. This has been shown to improve the body’s physiological functioning through several bio-chemical and nervous system responses.
Myth: Acupuncture needles aren’t sanitary.
Fact: Qualified acupuncture providers are required to utilize Clean Needle Technique (CNT) and must pass this exam to demonstrate appropriate sterile and clean field techniques before becoming licensed or able to practice.
Patients’ health and safety is of optimal concern in acupuncture, just like any medical procedure.
Myth: Any benefit from acupuncture is just the placebo effect.
Fact: Modern medical research can now map the neural reactions with acupuncture via fMRI technology and sophisticated lab test advances, showing that inflammatory markers decrease and that the body’s own endogenous opioid system works more effectively.
Even as the modern medical evidence-based world can better pin down why and how acupuncture works, the beauty of acupuncture persists timelessly in its simplicity to restore the body’s innate balance. Pain, inflammation, digestive disorders and mental health issues are often our bodies’ way of telling us something is out of balance. Acupuncture helps bring balance back and restore the patient’s own circuit flow of health.
Despite what many people believe, acupuncture is not a painful experience. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than those used for injections or blood tests, and most patients report feeling no pain at all. So if you’ve been curious about trying acupuncture but have been worried about the pain, there’s no need to worry! Acupuncture is an effective treatment for various conditions, and we would be happy to help you find relief. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
