There may a pinching sensation when the needle first passes through the skin. This sensation is minimized through the use of proper insertion techniques or guide tubes. Most patients report a mild but deep ache lasting for several seconds when the acupuncture needle reaches the depth of the point. Occasionally, fleeting, sharp, or electric sensations occur when a sensory nerve is stimulated. These are not dangerous and do not last.
Infection is an extremely rare consequence of acupuncture treatment.
There have been only two reported incidences of hepatitis transmission in the U.S. literature, both cases were due to the use of unsterilized needles. Acupuncture needles are stainless steel and should be sterile. Care should be taken not to insert the needle through areas of cellulitis. Sterile skin preparation is only necessary for deep needling of the ear, groin, or rectal areas. Pneumothorax is an infrequent complication.