Acupuncture needles are hair thin and because of this are not always felt upon insertion. If a patient does feel the insertion they will typically experience a little pinch. Often confusing to new patients is the following sensation of “de qi” or the “arrival of qi”. While potentially unsettling at first this is actually a terrific sign and is evidence of an effective treatment.
Possible sensations include:
- Full – achy, distention, throbbing, heavy
- Electric – tingling, cooling or warming, burning
- Traversing – moving, shooting, radiating
The range of sensations felt in acupuncture are not only part of the “magic” but are also diagnostically significant, so remember to relay what you are feeling to your practitioner. If a sensation is painful or too intense please relay that information as well and the needle will be adjusted expertly.