Is anything in or on the needles inserted during
acupuncture treatment?
If you are going to a traditionally trained acupuncturist, then
no drugs of any kind are injected, and nothing is placed on
or in the needles. However, in our office we sometimes use
electrical current if necessary for additional stimulation. The
doctor will always consult with you prior to the use of
electrical current.
What are the needles like?
They are usually of stainless steel, not much thicker than a
human hair. They are solid - not hollow like needles used
for injections in Western medical practice.
Does the needle hurt?
Some people find a little painful, but only momentarily.
Usually nothing is felt as the needle penetrates the skin but
there will be some sensation as the needle reaches the
subcutaneous acupuncture point. This can be a feeling of
numbness, or an ache, or an "alive" sensation, or a sort of
sharpness. It is certainly a lot less painful than the
sensation when accidentally punctured by a needle or a pin.
Some people seem to feel hardly anything at all.
Do the needles vary in length? And are there different
types?
Yes, the most common needles vary in length from
half-an-inch to one-and-a-halfinches. There are different
types of needles and they are used according to the
preference of the practitioner (although certain needles
have particular functions).
To what depth are the needles inserted?
The depth of the insertion of the needle varies considerably.
Usually, needles are inserted just below the skin surface
since most acupuncture points lie just under it. But some
needles need to penetrate to a depth from a
quarter-of-an-inch to as much as one-and-a-half to two
inches, depending on the appropriate acupuncture points
being used. The depth is also affected by the amount of fat
carried by the patient.
But do not assume that the deeper the insertion the more
the patient will feel. The patient will feel no more discomfort
from a needle inserted three inches below the skin as from
a needle inserted just below the skin.
2006 © Davidleeacupuncture.com
THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES

Serving Conejo Valley and local areas: Agoura Hills, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks,
and Westlake Village.
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