Some patients report slight soreness, light-headedness or even euphoria after treatments. Most people, however, report a sense of pleasant relaxation. It is advisable to rest after a treatment in order to allow stabilization of the system. It is best not to eat a heavy meal, engage in strenuous physical activity, engage in sexual activity or become emotionally upset after acupuncture treatments. The anatomy of selected points, patient size age and constitution all play a role in determining depth of needle insertion.
Acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermic needles sued for injections.
They are very fine and flexible and are usually barely felt when inserted. There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include slight cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild. In North America, the majority of acupuncturists use presterilized, individually packaged, disposable acupuncture needles to assure absolute control over cross-infection.