FAQs › Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Most patients find acupuncture to be a comfortable, even relaxing experience. The needles used are extremely fine — much thinner than a hypodermic needle — and most people describe the sensation as a mild ache, warmth, or tingling rather than pain.
Acupuncture needles are approximately 0.2mm in diameter — about the thickness of a human hair. Compared to the needles used for injections or blood tests, they are barely perceptible on insertion. Most patients describe the characteristic needle sensation — called 'De Qi' in Chinese — as a mild heaviness, warmth, dull ache, or electrical tingling at the point. This sensation is considered therapeutically beneficial.
At Rainbow Medicine, our practitioners use the finest gauge needles and adjust technique for each patient's sensitivity. For very nervous or sensitive patients, paediatric needles (even finer) or non-insertive acupressure techniques are available. A typical treatment involves 8–16 needles which are retained for 20–30 minutes while you rest comfortably.
Different body areas feel different. The hands and feet are typically more sensitive; the back and abdomen are usually very comfortable. Electro-acupuncture — a gentle electrical current applied to needles — produces a mild buzzing sensation that most patients find tolerable and even pleasant.
After treatment, most patients feel deeply relaxed. Some experience mild fatigue for a day as part of the healing response. Bruising is uncommon and resolves quickly.
Your comfort is our priority. Book an initial consultation and discuss any concerns with your practitioner.
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