Does acupuncture hurt? 

The first question everybody asks when we suggest acupuncture to our friends is “does acupuncture hurt?”  

Acupuncture needles are not like the needles they use when you go to the doctors.  Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin and flexible, about the same thickness as a piece of hair.  Ten acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of a standard needle from your GP.   These needles are so fine that most of the time there is no mark left on your skin and no blood.  

The level of pain you will feel from an acupuncture treatment is low, if any at all.  Most of the needles are pain free however there may be the odd one, which at worst feels like a mosquito bite.   The needles are put in via a tube so they break the surface of the skin in a tenth of a second.  Your acupuncturist will then stimulate the needles to create a tingling sensation that will only last a few seconds.  You may feel a slight feeling or nothing at all, but this should not be a painful experience.   After the needles are inserted you usually do not feel the needles, just a deep sense of relaxation.

Are you anxious?

All new patients come in with a certain amount of anxiety about having acupuncture and that is perfectly normal.  The idea of having someone poke you with needles does sound rather scary but rest assured you will feel very differently about acupuncture once you have given it a go.  The most common reaction of all new patients is “is that it” because the pain level is low to zero. 

We treat patients of all ages including newborn babies and children. 

Most patients find acupuncture to be very relaxing and enjoyable.  The needles are left in place for ten to forty minutes and some people even fall asleep during this time.  

Click here to see Our Team of Acupuncturists