The Happy Herbalist style as in many traditional Chinese styles is bu tong, painless Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild. However the sensation of pain remains quite subjective. Yes, very safe. Needle insertion depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patients size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school.
Acupuncture needles are very very thin and flexible.
Nerves, blood, and lymph vessels are elastic and quite easily move out the way. The Happy Herbalist uses Only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle. However in the United States this procedure is experimental only and NOT FDA approved - except under one of the FDA approved clinical trials. The California Acupuncture Board which oversees licensing and education of acupuncturists in California has approved its use and considers it within a duly educated acupuncturists scope of practice.