Does it Hurt?
Dear Patient,
Undoubtedly, the most frequent question I get from someone who is new to acupuncture is, “Does it hurt?”
The answer depends on who you ask. Some people truly don’t feel a thing when the needles go in. Others flinch with every single insertion. Some acupuncturists aim for an ouchless experience, while others take more of a no pain, no gain approach.
If you’re worried about how much the needles will hurt, let me ask you this: How much do your migraines hurt? How much does your back pain or tendinitis or fibromyalgia hurt? What about your anxiety or insomnia or ulcerative colitis? How painful is the dissonance between wanting to move forward, but feeling locked into a pattern of suffering?
When acupuncture hurts (if it hurts), it’s fleeting, and it serves a purpose. Change, growth, progress—sometimes these things hurt.
We all fear the unknown. But please, don’t let the fear of a temporary jab—whether it’s from a tiny needle or some other intervention—keep you from living the life you want. Whatever discomfort you need to step into to reach the other side - you can do this.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist