The needles are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, very refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation. While not completely painless, insertion of acupuncture needles is often less painful than stimulating points with finger pressure. In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired. These sensations may be surprising or strange, but are not painful.
Most patients find acupuncture treatment very relaxing.
Since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, most conditions can be corrected or improved. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic. Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions that respond well to the treatment. The number of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones.