What is it that makes most people a little shy of acupuncture? Is it the thought of a foreign object penetrating the skin? The idea of pain or injury caused by the needle? Ask anyone who hasn't experienced a treatment, and those are legitimate concerns.
But acupuncture doesn't have to be a scary process. The actual acupuncture needle is 1/10 the size of a regular hypodermic needle, essentially the same diameter as a few human hairs. The reason why an acupuncture needle doesn't cause bleeding is that is that the edge of the needle is rounded or polished, this tends to push the cells aside, where as a hypodermic needle has a sharp point, like a knife blade that can slice through. Acupuncture points are usually situated away from major blood vessels, therefore bleeding does not typically occur. Most people feel a little 'prick' once the needle goes in, a similar sensation to a mosquito bite, that dissipates after a few seconds. Common sensations are a feeling of pressure, or electricity once the needle taps into the energy or 'Qi'.
Still not convinced? There are many modalities that a Registered Acupuncturist can use instead of needling and still be very effective; Cupping - to help relieve muscle tension and relieve cold symptoms; Guasha - a technique using tiger balm, effective for sinusitis; Tuina (or massage) using acupressure points to relieve muscle tension and bring about relaxation; and Moxabustion used for warming cold conditions and improving circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture doesn't have to be scary, the more people know about this wonderful medicine, the less uncertainties remain.
"I was nervous about the needles, and could feel my skin getting clammy. But after a few treatments, I welcomed the needles, I knew they would be so soothing." -- Paul Buck
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