This is not the case. Acupuncture needles have no bore or hollow center through which fluids pass. They are solid needles with specially rounded tips, and are very thin in diameter. In most cases, insertion is performed without discomfort. Common sensations are tingling, numbness, and heaviness after insertion.
Most people find it very relaxing and often fall asleep.
Moxibustion is the burning of moxa, or mugwort, to heat a particular area on the body. It is a penetrating heat and is often used to ease pain and disperse cold. Chinese Herbal medicine draws from an herbal pharmacy of thousands of herbs. Most Chinese herbalists practice with between 400 and 500 different herbs. These formulas are very balanced as to moderate any adverse affects that any one herb might cause if taken alone.