Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIt Should Not HurtWhat If It Does Hurt?How It WorksPressure PointsTypical SessionSelf-CareFind an Acupuncturist
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
It Should Not Hurt
What If It Does Hurt?
How It Works
Pressure Points
Typical Session
Self-Care
Find an Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is a procedure in which extremely fine needles are inserted into pressure points in your body. Thistraditional Chinese medicinetechnique is alleged to alleviate pain and enhance your physical and emotional well-being.
While it may seem counterintuitive, people undergoing acupuncture typically experience little to no pain at all.
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Done Correctly, Acupuncture Is Not Supposed to Hurt
Many people fear that acupuncture will be painful, but in most cases it isn’t. This is because the procedure uses extremely fine needles that are barely perceptible as they’re inserted into the body.
In fact, one study of pediatric patients found that 87% of the children reported minimal to no pain while having acupuncture.
Will I Experience Pain After an Acupuncture Treatment?It is relatively uncommon to experience pain after receiving acupuncture.According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 10% of people experienced minor soreness after the treatment.This pain is typically seen in the areas where the needles are inserted.
Will I Experience Pain After an Acupuncture Treatment?
It is relatively uncommon to experience pain after receiving acupuncture.According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 10% of people experienced minor soreness after the treatment.This pain is typically seen in the areas where the needles are inserted.
It is relatively uncommon to experience pain after receiving acupuncture.
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, about 10% of people experienced minor soreness after the treatment.This pain is typically seen in the areas where the needles are inserted.
What If Acupuncture Does Hurt?
A small group of people who undergo acupuncture may experience some pain. While this is somewhat uncommon, it is most frequently seen in the following situations:
If you haven’t had acupuncture before, it is important to discuss the procedure and any concerns you have about it with your provider beforehand. Your acupuncturist may be able to perform a trial needle insertion to allow you to preview what the treatment feels like. They may also be able to utilize fewer needles or target a smaller area during your initial session.
It is also crucial to constantly communicate with your acupuncturist during the procedure. This allows them to adjust any needles causing soreness or discontinue the procedure if you are experiencing increased pain.
What Should Acupuncture Feel Like?Acupuncture needles are typically inserted into pressure points until a person feels a small amount of pressure. At most, the fine needles may cause a slight ache as they’re being applied.As previously mentioned, most people do not experience any pain during the treatment. It is not unusual for patients to experience relaxation or reduced anxiety after acupuncture.Some people also report feeling more energized afterward.
What Should Acupuncture Feel Like?
Acupuncture needles are typically inserted into pressure points until a person feels a small amount of pressure. At most, the fine needles may cause a slight ache as they’re being applied.As previously mentioned, most people do not experience any pain during the treatment. It is not unusual for patients to experience relaxation or reduced anxiety after acupuncture.Some people also report feeling more energized afterward.
Acupuncture needles are typically inserted into pressure points until a person feels a small amount of pressure. At most, the fine needles may cause a slight ache as they’re being applied.
As previously mentioned, most people do not experience any pain during the treatment. It is not unusual for patients to experience relaxation or reduced anxiety after acupuncture.Some people also report feeling more energized afterward.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The reasons for acupuncture’s beneficial effects are not completely understood.
Can Acupuncture Treat Your Pain?
Modern medicine attempts to explain acupuncture’s benefits differently.
When the needles are inserted into the body, they are thought to stimulate the release ofendorphins, opioids, immune system cells, and neurohormones. These chemicals help reduce pain and modify the way your body perceives it. They may also have animpact on your blood pressure, body temperature, and central nervous system function.
Painful Pressure Points: Does Acupuncture Hurt More on Certain Body Parts?
When administered correctly, acupuncture is a relatively painless treatment. That said, it can cause some increased soreness in certain situations. This is especially true when needles are inserted into areas with less muscle or fat.
For example, acupuncture on the hands or feet can occasionally cause increased pain.Thinner individuals with less soft tissue may also be more prone to feel soreness as needles are inserted. Ultimately, staying in communication with your provider is the key to making your acupuncture sessions as comfortable as possible.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session
Your first acupuncture session may look like this:
How Long Does Treatment Last?The typical acupuncture session is about 20 to 30 minutes in length.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
The typical acupuncture session is about 20 to 30 minutes in length.
Self-Care If You Are Sore After Acupuncture
Most cases of soreness after acupuncture will self-resolve in one to three days. During this time, try these tips to alleviate your symptoms:
How to Find a Licensed Acupuncturist
Most states have an online directory of licensed acupuncturists that can be searched to find a local provider. In addition, some national acupuncture associations also maintain lists of members who are board-certified. For example, you can usethis directoryto search for certified acupuncturists through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
A Word From VerywellAcupuncture can be beneficial for anyone facing persistent painful conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis-related discomfort, headaches, postoperative pain, and even symptoms of addiction. It’s also a supportive option for those experiencing hot flashes and generalized inflammation, making it a versatile choice for holistic health.—MALLORY CHRISTOPHERSON, DC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Acupuncture can be beneficial for anyone facing persistent painful conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis-related discomfort, headaches, postoperative pain, and even symptoms of addiction. It’s also a supportive option for those experiencing hot flashes and generalized inflammation, making it a versatile choice for holistic health.—MALLORY CHRISTOPHERSON, DC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Acupuncture can be beneficial for anyone facing persistent painful conditions, such as low back pain, arthritis-related discomfort, headaches, postoperative pain, and even symptoms of addiction. It’s also a supportive option for those experiencing hot flashes and generalized inflammation, making it a versatile choice for holistic health.
—MALLORY CHRISTOPHERSON, DC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Acupuncture is a procedure where extremely fine needles are inserted into pressure points in the body. This treatment, which has roots in ancient Chinese medicine, has shown some promise in treating certain types of pain. It is uncommon for individuals to experience anything more than mild pressure or soreness during or after acupuncture. Choosing an experienced practitioner and communicating with them during the treatment is the best way to avoid increased pain.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Harvard Health.Acupuncture.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acupuncture.
Kelly RB, Willis J. Acupuncture for pain.AmericanFamily Physician.2019;100(2):89-96.
Kaiser Permanente.Acupuncture 101: here’s what you can expect.
University of Georgia.Dry needling.Updated 2024.
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture andOriental Medicine.Find a practitioner.Updated 2024.
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