The condition of your tongue, its overall colour and the coating will tell the doctor about the condition of your internal organs. Each of us has 125 different pulse rates to which Chinese doctors have been trained to be sensitive. From these pulse rates the doctor will again be able to tell the state of your internal organs. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to needles used in blood tests and injections. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow.
Most people find acupuncture a pleasant and deeply relaxing experience.
There should be no pain during the insertion of needles if the doctor is fully trained and experienced. When the practitioner carefully inserts the needles, you may feel a slight tingling sensation. This indicates that the treatment is beginning to have some effect. Sometimes you may feel numbness at the point of entry or an energy transfer along the meridian to another part of the body. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the effect required.