Ask Me Anything Series: Why Acupuncture is Painful or Hurts
First of all, if acupuncture is painful for you, it means you are still alive!
Acupuncture is a still a needle insertion technique after all and no matter what there will be some sensations when a sharp foreign object pokes through your skin. However the sensations when acupuncture is inserted into the body is usually sore, tingling and achy, which means the doctor has picked up the energy from the point, a term called deqi (得气) in the professional Traditional Chinese Medicine world. It is not to the point of pain or hurting. Yet there are instances when the point that is inserted is to the level of extreme discomfort and pain. Why?
Also read my other Blog article: Why Acupuncture Works
1. The area that is painful from Acupuncture is blocked in energy
When there is blockage, the insertion of needles is met with resistance and hence result in pain and discomfort. Once the area has smooth energy flow over time and regular treatments, the same needle insertion will be smooth and not painful.
2. The organ that is related to the area which is painful from Acupuncture is imbalanced
Chronic imbalances of internal organs or organ systems can result in other related body parts showing up stiffness or tension or pain. This can then show up as discomfort or pain when the Acupuncture needle is inserted into the body part(s) and met with resistance from the already tightened body part.
3. The doctor is not skillful
It takes years of practice to insert the acupuncture needles into living human body, although it seems on the outside that the action is simple and requires no technique. Insertion of the acupuncture needle should feel smooth and flowing if done by a highly skilled doctor, with some instances where body areas with blockages or illnesses will be reflected as very painful sensation feedbacks.
However if you feel that the whole process of Acupuncture needles insertion is full of pain and just don’t feel right, then maybe it is not you, but the doctor’s skills and techniques that result in he unpleasant experience.
Further Reading:
Testimonial for Digestive Health Bloatedness
Everything you need to know about Acupuncture
Can I exercise after acupuncture?
How Acupuncture Help with Fatigue
Facial Acupuncture - How to differentiate the real deal from the fakers
Women’s Health: It is not normal to have cysts and fibroids
Men’s Health: Signs of Male Menopause
