by Doris Romero, DOM

Acupuncture is the art of inserting fine needles into points on the body to promote health and relieve pain. Many people don’t know what an acupuncture needle looks like and mistakenly believe that they feel like an injection or a blood draw. This is not true. An acupuncture needle is very fine – about the width of two human hairs side by side and 25-50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. They are solid while hypodermic needles are hollow which creates more of a sensation of pain. Acupuncture needles are also very flexible, made of stainless steel, are sterile and are for single-use only.

Insertion of an acupuncture needle is done quickly, usually with a guide tube. Most of the time people don’t feel anything as this is being done. Sometimes a sensation like a mosquito bite is felt but this dissipates quickly. Some points on the body are somewhat more sensitive than others. For example, points on the hands and feet are more sensitive because they have more nerve endings than other parts on the body. However, most all acupuncture points are 1/2 mm from a nerve, so there should not be more than a slight prick upon insertion. Once the needle is at its required depth other sensations may be felt including a dull ache around the base of the needle, slight tingling, slight cramping, or heaviness in a limb. These sensations are not pain. They are indications that the needle has activated the energy in the body. After several needles are inserted, most patients experience an increased sense of calm and relaxation sometimes to the point of falling asleep!

There are many styles of acupuncture and acupuncturists. Some acupuncturists will ask you to let them know when you feel the energy at a needle. Some will manipulate the needles to activate or dissipate the energy. The amount of needles used in one treatment depends on the patient and on the condition. Needles are left in place anywhere from 18 to 45 minutes.