Do the needles hurt when they are inserted?
This is the most common question asked about acupuncture because many people associate needles with pain. Acupuncture needles are very thin—almost like a strand of hair. They bear no resemblance to the needles used when receiving an injection (they are solid, not hollow like the needles used by doctors in surgery). In fact, we think the word ‘needles’ is a poor description for these tools; they are really healing filaments. They are simply tools to help you move through the process of healing and balance. Even our most apprehensive patients discover that the treatment is virtually painless because acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible — approximately 16 acupuncture needles together equal the thickness of a pin. The needles are inserted very superficially, using a gentle technique. If, for some reason, you feel uncomfortable, the needles can be quickly adjusted. Most often, thanks to Susan’s expert technique, patients are surprised by the minimal feeling and their fears qu
