Does acupuncture hurt?
Usually not much. Acupuncture needles are very fine, far thinner than the needles used for injections or blood tests, and many people barely feel them go in. You may feel a brief prick, then a dull ache, tingling or heaviness around the needle, which most people find odd rather than painful. If anything feels sharp or wrong, say so and the needle can be moved or taken out.
What it actually feels like
- Going in. A tiny prick or tap, often over before you notice.
- Once in place. A dull ache, warmth, tingling or a spreading heavy feeling. Traditional acupuncturists call this de qi and see it as a sign the needle is in the right place.
- Lying still. Needles stay in for anything from a few seconds to around 20 to 30 minutes, and many people feel very relaxed, even sleepy.
- Coming out. Usually felt very little, if at all.
What happens in a session
Your acupuncturist asks about your health, your symptoms and how you are generally, and may look at your tongue or take your pulse if they practise traditional Chinese acupuncture. You lie comfortably with only the areas they need uncovered, and they place a small number of needles, often in your arms, legs, back or ears. Sessions usually last 45 minutes to an hour, and longer the first time.
Try something tonight
Nervous about needles? A short guided relaxation recording can help you practise slow, calm breathing before your first appointment, starting tonight.
Relaxation recordings are not medical treatment. Please only listen somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving.
Or see someone: find acupuncturists near you
Acupuncturists are listed with the osteopaths, physios and chiropractors in the Practitioner directory, each with a phone number. Pick your town:
Or by what you would like help with: pain and physical symptoms
Making it more comfortable
- Eat a light meal an hour or two beforehand, so you do not feel faint.
- Tell your acupuncturist if you are nervous about needles. They can start with just one or two.
- Breathe out slowly as each needle goes in.
- Speak up if anything feels sharp, hot or uncomfortable.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture from a properly trained practitioner is generally very safe. Needles should be sterile, single-use and opened in front of you. A small bruise or a spot of blood where a needle went in is the most common side effect, and some people feel tired or a little light-headed afterwards. The NHS says acupuncture may not be safe if you take blood-thinning medicine, are at higher risk of bleeding or have a skin infection, so mention any of these before you start, and tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant.
On the NHS and privately
The NHS may offer acupuncture for long-term pain and migraine-type headaches, often through a physiotherapist or GP practice. Privately, a first session commonly costs around £50 to £90 and follow-ups around £40 to £70. Many people have a course of several sessions, often weekly to begin with.
Who to see
Acupuncture is offered by traditional acupuncturists and by health professionals, such as physiotherapists, doctors and osteopaths, who have trained in it. Look for membership of a body such as the British Acupuncture Council for traditional acupuncturists, or the British Medical Acupuncture Society for health professionals. Ask about their training and how many sessions they would expect.
More questions
Will I bleed?
Sometimes a tiny drop of blood or a small bruise, which fades in a day or two.
Can I have acupuncture if I am scared of needles?
Many people with a fear of needles manage well because the needles are so fine. Tell your acupuncturist so they can go slowly, or start with a single needle.
Can I drive afterwards?
Most people can. If you feel light-headed or very sleepy, wait a while before you drive.
Does dry needling hurt more?
Dry needling, used by some physiotherapists, aims at tight spots in muscles and can cause a brief twitch or ache. It is usually short-lived.