Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Medically reviewed by Mallory Christopherson, DCMedically reviewed by Mallory Christopherson, DCAcupuncture is a procedure in which extremely fine needles are inserted into pressure points in your body. This traditional Chinese medicine technique is alleged to alleviate pain and enhance your physical and emotional well-being.While it may seem counterintuitive, people undergoing acupuncture typically experience little to no pain at all.
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Done Correctly, Acupuncture Is Not Supposed to HurtMany people fear that acupuncture will be painful, but in most cases it isn't. This is because the procedure uses extremely fine needles that are barely perceptible as they’re inserted into the body.In fact, one study of pediatric patients found that 87% of the children reported minimal to no pain while having acupuncture.Improper needle placement is one of the most common reasons that people have pain during or after this treatment. As a result, it is important to be treated by a licensed practitioner who is well-versed in treating your specific condition.
Will I Experience Pain After an Acupuncture Treatment?It is relatively uncommon to experience pain after receiving acupuncture.According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 10% of people experienced minor soreness after the treatment. This pain is typically seen in the areas where the needles are inserted.
What If Acupuncture Does Hurt?A small group of people who undergo acupuncture may experience some pain. While this is somewhat uncommon, it is most frequently seen in the following situations:The acupuncturist is inexperienced or inserts the needle in an incorrect area.The patient has a lower pain threshold or is more sensitive to needles.The practitioner uses higher gauge or thicker needles.The needles are inserted more deeply than normal or with too much pressure.If you haven’t had acupuncture before, it is important to discuss the procedure and any concerns you have about it with your provider beforehand. Your acupuncturist may be able to perform a trial needle insertion to allow you to preview what the treatment feels like. They may also be able to utilize fewer needles or target a smaller area during your initial session.It is also crucial to constantly communicate with your acupuncturist during the procedure. This allows them to adjust any needles causing soreness or discontinue the procedure if you are experiencing increased pain.
What Should Acupuncture Feel Like?Acupuncture needles are typically inserted into pressure points until a person feels a small amount of pressure. At most, the fine needles may cause a slight ache as they’re being applied.As previously mentioned, most people do not experience any pain during the treatment. It is not unusual for patients to experience relaxation or reduced anxiety after acupuncture. Some people also report feeling more energized afterward.
How Does Acupuncture Work?The reasons for acupuncture’s beneficial effects are not completely understood.Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners viewed the body as balanced by two connected yet opposing forces called yin and yang. When these forces become unbalanced by disease, an energy in the body called qi gets disrupted. Acupuncturists claim that their needles can unblock the flow of qi and restore your physical and emotional health when inserted into specific pressure points.
Related: Can Acupuncture Treat Your Pain?
Modern medicine attempts to explain acupuncture’s benefits differently.When the needles are inserted into the body, they are thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, opioids, immune system cells, and neurohormones. These chemicals help reduce pain and modify the way your body perceives it. They may also have an impact on your blood pressure, body temperature, and central nervous system function.Painful Pressure Points: Does Acupuncture Hurt More on Certain Body Parts?When administered correctly, acupuncture is a relatively painless treatment. That said, it can cause some increased soreness in certain situations. This is especially true when needles are inserted into areas with less muscle or fat.For example, acupuncture on the hands or feet can occasionally cause increased pain. Thinner individuals with less soft tissue may also be more prone to feel soreness as needles are inserted. Ultimately, staying in communication with your provider is the key to making your acupuncture sessions as comfortable as possible.What Happens During an Acupuncture Session Your first acupuncture session may look like this:The practitioner takes an overview of your health history and current symptoms.The practitioner examines your body (some acupuncturists will also examine your tongue to assess for any present imbalances).You will either lie or sit on a table.Sterilized needles are inserted into the affected areas of your body one at a time (in some situations, heat or electrical stimulation may also be utilized during acupuncture to enhance its effects).
How Long Does Treatment Last?The typical acupuncture session is about 20 to 30 minutes in length.
Self-Care If You Are Sore After Acupuncture Most cases of soreness after acupuncture will self-resolve in one to three days. During this time, try these tips to alleviate your symptoms:Increase your fluid intake.Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or magnesium oil.Apply ice to the areas of soreness.Perform light aerobic exercise and gently stretch the sore areas.Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication (if recommended by your physician). How to Find a Licensed Acupuncturist Most states have an online directory of licensed acupuncturists that can be searched to find a local provider. In addition, some national acupuncture associations also maintain lists of members who are board-certified. For example, you can use this directory to search for certified acupuncturists through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.SummaryAcupuncture is a procedure where extremely fine needles are inserted into pressure points in the body. This treatment, which has roots in ancient Chinese medicine, has shown some promise in treating certain types of pain. It is uncommon for individuals to experience anything more than mild pressure or soreness during or after acupuncture. Choosing an experienced practitioner and communicating with them during the treatment is the best way to avoid increased pain. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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