The patient feels a mild prickling sensation as the needle pierces the skin. The needle is inserted just a few millimeters until the patient feels an electrical sensation indicating that the needle has connected with the desired energy point. This is crucial to the effectiveness of the treatment. Once the needle is inserted it is left in place for 10 to 30 minutes depending on the purpose of the treatment. During that time stimulation is applied manually or with a battery operated electronic device.
Manual stimulation is done by the therapist gently rotating the needle.
Electrical stimulation is an alternative to manual stimulation. The intensity of the stimulation is gradually increased to avoid discomfort. The patient feels a mild vibration that seems soothing. After the prescribed length of time the needle is withdrawn. There is usually no bleeding associated with the procedure.