The majority of practitioners use prepacked and sterilized disposable needles. Some prefer to use reusable needles that require sterilization. Patients should enquire about the types of needles used prior to treatment. Some people even find it relaxing. There should be no pain once the needles are in place.
Significant pain is a sign that the procedure is being done improperly.
Once inserted, the needles may be stimulated with an electrical current. Dowden said that you should expect to have several sessions. You may not get relief from the first one, but if nothing is happening after six or eight sessions, acupuncture probably isn't for you. If you do notice some relief, you may need to be patient for more complete results. Doctors caution their patients that it could take months to alleviate the pain.