Is it painful?

Many people imagine Acupuncture needles are the same size as syringes; they aren’t they are ten times thinner, almost hair thin. The vast majority of people don’t feel the needle (when it is inserted professionally) as it goes through the skin. A sensation Acupuncturists call de chi is commonly felt when a needle is inserted correctly into an Acupuncture point or trigger point. This is often described as a numbness or an ache and very often as a relieving tenderness.

Contrary to the uncomfortable experience anticipated, many people comment that they are surprised how relaxing they find the treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety (a common cause of tension and pain). This is achieved by lowering the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body and increasing the levels of Oxytocin.