Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that’s a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It originated in China and has been around for over 2,500 years. It’s a technique used to balance the flow of energy, also known as life force, chi, or qi. Qi is thought to flow through pathways in your body. The goal of acupuncture is to remove energy blockages and balance your energy flow, which helps to regulate your emotional, mental, and physical health.
Acupuncture stimulates specific points along these pathways using thin, solid metal needles to penetrate the skin. Acupuncture needles have a round edge so they don’t cut the skin. Stimulating these places on the body influences your nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.
Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, since it’s thought to boost the body’s natural painkillers. It’s now also used to promote overall wellness and to reduce stress.
Acupuncture can also be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Anxiety and depression
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Dental pain
- Headaches and migraines
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Labor pain
- Menstrual cramps and PMS
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory disorders
Does it hurt?
One misconception about acupuncture is that it hurts, and this is a reason that some people don’t want to try acupuncture. The treatment isn’t meant to hurt, though you may experience some sensations during your treatment.
“Most [people being treated] don’t feel anything,” Prajna Paramita Choudhury, LAc, DiplOM, a licensed and certified acupuncturist, told Healthline. “Most of the time what might be described as pain is a chi sensation. It can be heavy, throbbing, or jumping, all of which are positive responses.”
This can vary due to your level of pain tolerance and overall sensitivity. Sometimes your first acupuncture treatment will be more painful than your following treatments. This could be because certain energy points on your body are being activated for the first time. Your symptoms may worsen slightly before they get better.
“Pain isn’t a negative thing, but you don’t want it to last. Most of the time it dissipates,” Choudhury said. “If the patient continues to feel it, I take out the needle.”
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL LIKE?
While the experience will be different for everyone, acupuncture usually doesn’t cause discomfort or pain.
“It doesn’t need to hurt to be effective. It’s good to feel the energy as sensations such as dullness and heaviness,” Choudhury said. “These are considered to be positive responses, and it means that something is happening.”
Often you won’t feel the needles being inserted, because they are thin and gently inserted. Once a needle reaches its intended depth, you’re likely to feel a mild, dull ache or a slight tingling sensation. This may be a sign that the treatment is working and the acupuncture point is being activated. You may also feel a heavy or electric sensation. Feelings of warmth may arise at the acupuncture points.
If you feel anything that’s a severe or sharp pain, you should let your acupuncturist know. Most of the time pain or discomfort will be fleeting and last only a few seconds.
WHAT CAUSES THE PAIN?
Using higher-gauge needles or inserting needles more deeply is more likely to cause pain. Certain brands of needles are also more likely to cause pain. Some practitioners use more force or a heavier technique when inserting the needles. It’s important to see only licensed and experienced acupuncturists for treatment.
Speak up if you’re experiencing pain that is beyond mild discomfort. You can also ask your practitioner to proceed slower, use fewer needles, insert them more shallowly, and manipulate them less.
“Sometimes it’s poor needling technique,” Choudhury said. “If everything is hurting, you may want to try a different practitioner.”
MORE PAINFUL PRESSURE POINTS
You can expect some points to be more sensitive than others. If a needle hits a small nerve, muscle, or blood vessel, you may feel some pain or a more intense sensation. A single sensation is OK as long as it’s brief. Points on the extremities are more likely to produce stronger reactions in the form of dull aches or tingling sensations. Points where there is less flesh, such as near the nails, can sometimes produce a sharper sensation. Most of the time these sensations are short-lived.
As far as places on the body that hurt the most, Choudhury explained, “It really depends on the person. For a lot of people, the feet are more painful since they contain a lot of important energy points.”
You may feel more sensation at the points that are most relevant to your treatment because these places can contain energy stagnation. Choudhury stated that the practitioner should be aware and sensitive to the needs of the person being treated. “It’s really about responding to the specific pattern that [they] present with and treating this appropriately.”How long does treatment last?
You can expect an acupuncture treatment session to last between 30 to 90 minutes.
Some of the time will be spent discussing your reasons for acupuncture with your practitioner. Depending on your condition and how in-depth this conversation is, some sessions may last longer, especially your first appointment.
The needles will usually be kept in place for 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll lie still. Some people enter a very relaxed state or fall asleep.Care following appointment
It’s important that you take care of yourself after your treatment, especially during the first 24 hours.
You may feel calm, relaxed, or sleepy. Rest and take it easy, even if you feel energized. Avoid any strenuous activities.
Eat healthy foods including fruits, vegetables, and protein. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Don’t use ice packs since they may interfere with your body’s energy flow. You can use heat packs instead. Massage is recommended and may enhance the benefits of acupuncture.
Usually, any pain you experience during treatment will subside when the treatment stops. You may have some pain or intensified symptoms for a few days following treatment. They should begin to improve within a few weeks. Any mild bruising that happens as a result of treatment will usually clear up within a few days.
Contact your doctor or acupuncturist if you experience any unusual symptoms after your treatment. Some people have developed shortness of breath and pneumothorax after having acupuncture to the chest.Who can perform acupuncture?
Licensed acupuncturists and doctors are allowed to perform acupuncture in the United States. Training, exam, and licensure requirements vary among states. Trained chiropractors are permitted to practice acupuncture in 34 states. Some states require the chiropractor to have a separate acupuncture license.
“I would caution against getting treatment from someone who isn’t a certified acupuncturist,” Choudhury said. “Most accidents or negative outcomes have been through other types of practitioners.”The takeaway
If you’re interested in acupuncture but concerned about the pain it may cause, speak with a practitioner. It should be a relatively pain-free experience.
Talk to a doctor before starting any acupuncture treatment program. You can discuss which results you wish to achieve. This is especially important if you have any medical conditions you wish to treat or are taking any medications. Your doctor may be able to recommend an acupuncturist who is best suited to your specific needs.
