Does Acupuncture Hurt? Understanding the Myths, the Facts, and What to Expect at Your First Session

If the thought of needles makes you squirm, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous before your first acupuncture treatment. But here’s the good news: most people are surprised by just how gentle acupuncture feels — and many even find it relaxing.

So, does acupuncture hurt?
For the majority, no — but for some, yes (more on this later).

At our acupuncture Gold Coast clinic, we use ultra-fine needles designed to glide through your skin with minimal sensation. Some people feel a tap, a tiny prick, a dull ache, warmth, or tingling at the needle site. Others barely feel anything at all.

And even if you do notice a sensation, it’s usually brief and fades quickly.

In fact, many patients become so relaxed during treatment that they fall asleep!

If you’re wondering what happens next, we also recommend reading our guide on what to expect after acupuncture.

👉 Still, if you have a strong fear of needles — the kind that makes blood tests or vaccinations overwhelming — it’s worth considering whether acupuncture is the right fit for you. (More on that later.)

Why Fear of Pain Is Normal — and Why Acupuncture Isn’t Painful

Feeling anxious about pain is completely natural — especially when needles are involved.
We grow up associating needles with blood tests, vaccinations, and sometimes uncomfortable medical procedures. It’s no wonder the idea of acupuncture can trigger nervousness!

Here’s the truth…

Fear doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

In fact, your body is hardwired to treat sharp objects as a potential danger. That’s why even thinking about needles can make your muscles tense, your heart race, or your palms sweat. This is your brain’s protective system doing exactly what it’s supposed to do — keeping you alert to anything that might cause harm.

But here’s where acupuncture is different.

Unlike the thick, hollow needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, flexible, and solid. And because acupuncture is done slowly, gently, and mindfully, it often feels more like a light tap, a warm glow, or a dull, soothing pressure — not the sharp jab you might expect. That’s why, for most people, there’s truly little to fear.

Common Misconceptions About Acupuncture Pain

Quick Tip:
The more you relax during treatment, the easier it is for your body to experience acupuncture the way it’s meant to feel — gentle, calming, and restorative.

👉 (Next up, we’ll talk about exactly what acupuncture feels like — so you know what to expect.)

What Does Acupuncture Actually Feel Like?

Every acupuncture experience is slightly different — and that’s completely normal. Some people feel almost nothing. Others notice a range of subtle (and sometimes stronger) sensations during treatment.

Depending on your individual needs and the style of acupuncture used, your practitioner may intentionally aim to create certain sensations known as "deqi." Deqi is traditionally seen as a sign that your body is responding to the treatment — but not every style seeks it strongly, and not every patient is suited to it.

✅ Your practitioner will always tailor the approach based on your goals, your comfort level, and your body’s responses.

Common Sensations Associated with Acupuncture

In traditional acupuncture, a group of sensations known as "deqi" is often associated with the therapeutic effect. These sensations aren't just about what's happening at the surface — they are shaped by how your nervous system and brain interpret the stimulus.

Patients often describe feeling:

• Dull aching at the needle site

• Heaviness spreading through a limb or area

• Warmth around the point of insertion

• Tingling or a mild electrical sensation

• Fullness or distension in the tissue

• Numbness in the surrounding area

These feelings are typically mild, fleeting, and for many patients, surprisingly enjoyable — like a slow wave of tension melting away.

✅ Some acupuncture styles — especially gentler techniques such as Japanese acupuncture — aim to create very little deqi sensation at all.
✅ Other styles — especially when treating deep muscular issues — may intentionally seek a stronger deqi response as part of the therapeutic process.

Both approaches are valid. Your practitioner will adjust the technique based on what best supports your body and your healing goals.

It’s important to know: Deqi is not meant to be painful. If anything feels sharp, pinching, or uncomfortable, always tell your practitioner. A skilled acupuncturist can easily adjust or remove a needle to ensure you remain comfortable and supported throughout the treatment.

👉 (Next, we’ll explore why your mindset — how relaxed or tense you are — can also shape what you feel.)

Why Your Mindset Matters: Pain and the Protective Brain

Pain isn't just about physical damage — it's a protective response created by your brain. If your brain senses credible evidence of danger, even a gentle touch can feel sharper or more intense than usual.

This is true for acupuncture too.

When you're nervous, tense, or bracing for pain, your body goes into a mild "fight or flight" state. Your muscles tighten, your breathing gets shallow, and your brain becomes hyper-alert for anything that might hurt.

Here’s the good news: Relaxing your body and calming your mind can dramatically change how acupuncture feels.

👉 The more you relax and breathe deeply, the more your nervous system shifts into a "rest and repair" mode. In this state, your brain interprets touch — including acupuncture — as safe, soothing, and healing instead of threatening.

How to Help Your Body Stay Calm During Acupuncture

• Focus on your breath: Slow, deep breaths help relax tense muscles and send calming signals to your brain.

• Let your body sink into the table: Imagine melting into the surface beneath you.

• Trust the process: Remind yourself that you’re in a safe environment, with a skilled practitioner who is there to support you.

• Speak up if you feel uneasy: You are always allowed to ask for adjustments. Communication is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Quick Reminder: Pain is not always about the needle — it’s about how safe and relaxed your body feels at that moment.

And the good news? You and your practitioner are a team, working together to create the most comfortable experience possible. This shared focus on comfort is a quiet ritual that many practitioners take very seriously.

👉 (Next, we’ll talk about why some areas of the body are naturally more sensitive than others — and how that might affect your treatment.)

Some Areas Are More Sensitive to Needles Than Others: Here’s Why

Not all parts of your body feel the same — and that’s perfectly normal during acupuncture. Certain areas naturally feel more sensitive because your brain devotes more attention to them for sensing and touch.

That’s why some acupuncture points can feel a little more intense than others, even when the needle technique is exactly the same.

A simple way to picture this is through something called the "sensory homunculus" — a funny-looking map that shows how much brain space is dedicated to feeling different body parts. (Think: big lips, big hands, big feet — and much smaller arms or back.)

Areas That Are Typically More Sensitive

• Hands and Fingers: Packed with nerve endings because we use them constantly.

• Feet and Toes: Important for balance and movement, making them naturally responsive.

• Face and Lips: Especially sensitive — even light touch can feel strong.

• Ears: A common place for acupuncture, but can feel tingly or warm quickly.

Meanwhile, areas like your back, thighs, or abdomen tend to be less sensitive, which often makes needle insertion barely noticeable there.

Good to Know:

• A slight zing, tingle, or fullness feeling at more sensitive points is normal — it’s your body responding.

• Skilled acupuncturists can modify needle technique (shallower insertion, lighter touch) to minimize discomfort in these areas.

• If a point ever feels too strong, it’s always okay to say something. Adjustments are part of personalized care.

👉 (Coming up next: we’ll explore how different needling styles — from ultra-gentle to deeper techniques — also shape your experience.)

Does Acupuncture Hurt Sometimes? Gentle vs Strong Needling

Not all acupuncture feels the same — because not all acupuncture is practiced the same way.

Just like there are different styles of massage (think soft Swedish vs deep tissue), there are also a variety of needling techniques.

Some are incredibly light and subtle. Others are intentionally deeper and more stimulating, depending on your treatment goals.

Gentle Techniques: Soft, Subtle, and Highly Effective

In many traditional Japanese acupuncture styles, needles are inserted very shallowly — sometimes barely breaking the surface of the skin.

Practitioners often use highly refined, delicate techniques designed to activate your body’s natural healing responses without needing strong stimulation.

✅ These techniques are ideal for:

• People who are sensitive to touch or pain

• Patients with anxiety around needles

• Treatments focused on calming, regulating, and restoring balance

The sensation?

Often just a tap, tingle, warmth, or even no noticeable feeling at all.

Stronger Techniques: Deep Muscle Release and Targeted Pain Relief

Other forms of acupuncture — like dry needling or ashi point needling — intentionally target deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. This is common when treating persistent muscle tension, trigger points, or stubborn pain.

✅ These techniques may involve:

• A deep, dull aching feeling

• Heaviness in the limb or surrounding tissue

• Fullness or pressure around the needle site

• A twitch response (especially in dry needling, where trigger points are released)

• Radiating sensation that spreads outward from the needle area

These are often described in traditional acupuncture as deqi sensations — a term used to capture the body’s sensory response when deeper tissues and neural pathways are engaged therapeutically.

The sensation?

It can feel more intense — sometimes like a sore muscle being "worked on," or a heavy, expanding wave through the tissue. But it’s not harmful. A skilled practitioner can carefully control the intensity and dose of stimulation, ensuring the treatment feels therapeutic, not overwhelming.

Skill Makes the Difference

No matter the technique, the sensitivity, skill, and touch of the practitioner matter enormously.

An experienced acupuncturist can adjust the depth, angle, and stimulation of each needle based on your body’s response — creating the most effective and comfortable experience possible.

👉 (Next, we’ll talk about how to know if acupuncture is the right fit for you — especially if you have strong fears about needles.)

Are You a Good Candidate for Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be adapted to suit many different people — but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone.

One important factor? Your relationship with needles.

If you have a mild fear of needles (the kind that just makes you a little nervous), acupuncture is still likely a great option for you. In fact, many patients find that their anxiety fades after the first needle is placed — once they realize it feels nothing like an injection or blood test.

✅ A little nervous = normal and manageable.

However...

If you experience severe needle phobia — meaning even thinking about needles makes you feel faint, panicked, or physically sick — acupuncture might not be the right path right now.

Why?

Because when fear is that strong, your brain’s protective alarm system goes into overdrive. Even the gentlest touch could feel threatening. In those cases, no matter how skilled the practitioner is, your body may simply not be ready to fully relax and benefit from treatment.

Signs That Acupuncture Might Not Be the Best Fit (Yet)

• You feel dizzy, sweaty, or nauseous at the sight of needles

• You have a history of fainting during injections or blood draws

• You experience panic attacks when exposed to medical procedures involving needles

If This Sounds Like You...

That’s completely okay. There are many other forms of healing — including bodywork therapies, exercise therapy, herbal medicine, breathwork, or relaxation treatments — that can support you without involving needles.

Also worth noting:

While acupuncture is often a good option for people living with chronic pain, it’s not always the right fit for everyone.

Some individuals with highly sensitized nervous systems — where even gentle touch can trigger discomfort — may find manual therapies, including acupuncture, challenging.

If you’ve had past experiences where hands-on treatments made your symptoms worse, it’s important to discuss this with your practitioner. They can help determine whether acupuncture is appropriate — and if so, tailor a gentle approach that respects your body’s sensitivity.

✅ The most important thing?
Choosing a healing path that feels safe, supportive, and empowering for you right now.

👉 (Next, we’ll talk about practical tips you can use to make your acupuncture experience even more comfortable and relaxing.)

Tips to Maximize Your Comfort During Treatment

A great acupuncture session is a partnership between you and your practitioner. While the practitioner is there to guide the process and make adjustments, there’s also a lot you can do to help your body feel calm, safe, and ready to heal.

Here are a few simple but powerful ways to maximize your comfort:

Before Your Appointment

• Have a light meal or snack:
  Acupuncture on an empty stomach can sometimes make people feel lightheaded. A small meal helps your body stay grounded.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing:
  This makes it easier for your practitioner to access different areas — and keeps you feeling cozy throughout the session.

• Arrive a few minutes early:
  Give yourself time to settle in, breathe, and transition out of “busy mode” before treatment begins.

During Your Treatment

• Focus on your breathing:
  Slow, deep breaths activate your calming nervous system and soften any tension.

• Let your muscles go heavy:
  Try imagining your body sinking into the table, as if it’s melting into a warm bed.

• Speak up if needed:
  If anything feels sharp, pinchy, or uncomfortable, tell your practitioner right away. Adjustments are quick, easy, and expected — you're not "being difficult."

• Trust your body’s wisdom:
  Sensations like warmth, heaviness, or tingling are signs that your body is responding — not signs that something is wrong.

Remember:

The goal isn’t to grit your teeth and endure anything. The goal is to feel supported, comfortable, and safe enough to let healing happen naturally.

👉 (Next, we’ll talk about what to expect after acupuncture — including why mild soreness sometimes happens, and why it’s usually a good sign.)

Will I Feel Pain After Acupuncture?

Most people feel relaxed, lighter, or pleasantly tired after an acupuncture session. But it’s also completely normal to experience a little mild soreness — especially if you’re receiving stronger treatment for muscle tension or chronic pain.

✅ In most cases, this soreness is temporary and fades within 24 to 48 hours.

Why Soreness Can Happen

Acupuncture stimulates your body’s natural healing systems.

It increases blood flow, releases muscle tension, and encourages a shift in how your nervous system processes danger signals. Sometimes, that activation can create a mild, workout-like soreness — similar to how your body feels after exercising muscles you haven't used in a while.

What’s Considered Normal Soreness?

• Mild achiness around the needle sites

• A feeling of heaviness, warmth, or gentle fatigue in the area treated

• Slight bruising in rare cases, especially if you're prone to easy bruising

Importantly, these sensations are typically short-lived.

When to Talk to Your Practitioner

While mild soreness is normal, sharp, persistent, or worsening pain is not.

If you ever feel uncomfortable after a session — or if something doesn’t feel quite right — it’s important to reach out to your practitioner. They can make adjustments for future treatments or offer advice on easing any discomfort.

✅ Good communication ensures that your acupuncture experience remains safe, supportive, and effective.

Quick Tip:

Giving yourself some quiet time — and getting an early night’s sleep — after acupuncture can help your body integrate the benefits more smoothly.

👉 (Next, we’ll talk about why communication is so important during acupuncture — and why you’re always in control.)

You're Always In Control: Communication is Key

One of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture is that once the needles are placed, you just have to “tough it out” until the session ends.

That’s absolutely not true.

In a well-run acupuncture session, you are always in charge of your experience.

If Something Feels Uncomfortable, Speak Up

• Feel a sharp pinch instead of a dull sensation?

• Notice a needle that feels "off" after a few minutes?

• Suddenly start feeling anxious or tense mid-treatment?

✅ You’re allowed — and encouraged — to say something.
A skilled practitioner can easily adjust or remove a needle if needed, without interrupting the overall treatment.

In fact, feedback makes treatments better. It helps your acupuncturist tailor their techniques to match your body's responses — creating the most effective and comfortable healing experience for you.

Your Practitioner’s Role

A good acupuncturist isn't just focused on where to place the needles — they're also closely observing:

• Your body language

• Your breathing patterns

• Your facial expressions
  —all the subtle cues that tell them how you’re feeling.

They'll often ask gentle check-in questions throughout your session to make sure you're comfortable. But remember: you never have to wait for permission to speak up if something feels off.

Trust and Comfort Are Essential to Healing

Acupuncture works best when your body feels safe enough to relax, release tension, and activate its natural healing processes.

Good communication creates the trust that makes this possible.

✅ Your voice is part of your healing. Always.

👉 (Coming up next: a helpful FAQ answering common questions like "Does acupuncture hurt the first time?" and "Can I ask for fewer needles?")

Final Word: Is Acupuncture Painful or Just Misunderstood?

If you’re feeling nervous about trying acupuncture for the first time, that’s okay.

Stepping into something new — especially something involving needles — takes courage.

But here’s what we hope you’ll remember: Acupuncture isn’t about pain. It’s about regulating your body’s natural healing abilities.

The sensations you might feel — a warm glow, a gentle heaviness, or even nothing at all — are all signs that your body is waking up, restoring balance, and supporting your health from the inside out.

And through it all, you are in control.

You can ask questions. You can speak up. You can trust that your practitioner is there to listen, adjust, and guide you through an experience that feels safe, supported, and tailored to you.

Ready to experience acupuncture for yourself — on your own terms?

We're here to help you take that first step with comfort, care, and understanding.

📅 Reach out to book your appointment or ask any questions you might have. Your path to feeling better might just be a few tiny, gentle taps away.

Author

Adam Hjort is a Registered Acupuncturist and member of Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA). He has been practicing since 2010 and maintains a clinic dedicated to the treatment of pain, inflammation, stress, and other health conditions, located in Ashmore, Gold Coast.