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What does Acupuncture feel like?

Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache.

Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated using electro-acupuncture or lasers. This method can be used for children and for patients with a fear of needles. There are 500 recognised acupuncture points on the human body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas of the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.