In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body allowing it to heal. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. Insertion by a skilled practitioner is usually painless and in most cases the needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. There are certain techniques of acupuncture which can cause a patient to feel some tingling, heaviness, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian. These sensations are usually mild and subside quickly after insertion.
Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection.
The main source of pain from an injection is the large diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue, causing a burning sensation. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many patients fall asleep during the treatment which lasts from 30 to 40 minutes. Licensed acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is good practice to verify your acupuncturist's clean needle technique prior to accepting any treatments. Some patients feel progressively better after each treatment.