Acupuncture: Does It hurt.?

Many people are hesitant to try acupuncture. Some are skeptical about it's merits and others are worried about the cost of time and money. There are many concerns and we will address them over time. But today I'd like to address what is probably the most common concern: does it hurt?

Acupuncture doesn't hurt. That is to say that it doesn't hurt like stubbing your toe or a migraine or after surgery or that nagging neck or low back pain that led to thinking about acupuncture in the first place. It doesn't even hurt like getting your blood drawn or even as much as accidentally pricking your finger. However, you will probably feel something - something that, at it's worst, is more like a mild mosquito bite. Acupuncture needles are hair thin and designed to cause minimal discomfort. Many acupuncturists use a guide tube to "tap" the tip of the needle past the most sensitive areas of the skin as quickly as possible. In most cases after the initial sensation patients are unable to tell that they still have needles in and are able to reach a state of deep relaxation. Many people are surprised to find that they fall asleep (I actually consider snoring a compliment).

Another way to think about acupuncture is that it can't hurt - it is well known that acupuncture is virtually side effect free. Occasionally a patient experiences an ache at the needle insertion site or sustains a small bruise - both of which are temporary and non life-threatening. Some people do feel a little dizzy afterwards, but this sensation is preventable by coming to an appointment with some food and fluids on board. The fact that acupuncture is so safe should make it an attractive complement or alternative to more conventional treatment.

And finally, acupuncture can't hurt - if you've already tried multiple medications and therapies without success or even if you're looking to acupuncture as your first stop or desire to find help in a more gentle and natural way, there's really nothing to lose and so much more to gain. Acupuncture has been used effectively for thousands of years and is gaining popularity among patients and respect in the conventional medicine community. Research has shown acupuncture as an effective therapy not only for pain, but also for a large number of other common problems such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, fatigue, and digestive imbalance to name a few.

If you have any questions about whether acupuncture might work for you email us at acunewbraunfels@gmail.com or call us at 830-625-6011. Part of our job is to advise you whether we think you would benefit from treatment.

Additionally, it you have any concerns you would like us to address on our site, please e-mail us at acunewbraunfels@gmail.com.

Yours in Health,

Heather Brookman, RN, LAc