DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Surprisingly, the answer is no! If the needles are properly inserted, the acupuncture treatment is painless. Many people are unnecessarily frightened by the prospect of receiving a treatment because they equate a hypodermic needle as the same as an acupuncture needle. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Hypodermic needles are large, hollow and have a razor-sharp beveled point for piercing the tissue. On the other hand, acupuncture needles are extremely thin;often no thicker than a human hair. They are made of solid, stainless steel with a rounded pencil like tip that pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. As a result only a slight pin-prick sensation is felt when the needles are inserted. Once the needle is in place a characteristic tingling or heaviness,spreading or warmth is experienced. Although this sometimes may feel strange or unusual,most patients report no pain. Studies have shown that approximately 5 percent of the population are hypersensitive to needling as well as any other procedure. Disposable, pre-sterilized needles are used and then disposed of in proper containers.
Surprisingly, the answer is no! If the needles are properly inserted, the acupuncture treatment is painless. Many people are unnecessarily frightened by the prospect of receiving a treatment because they equate a hypodermic needle as the same as an acupuncture needle. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Hypodermic needles are large, hollow and have a razor-sharp beveled point for piercing the tissue. On the other hand, acupuncture needles are extremely thin;often no thicker than a human hair. They are made of solid, stainless steel with a rounded pencil like tip that pushes the tissue aside without cutting it. As a result only a slight pin-prick sensation is felt when the needles are inserted. Once the needle is in place a characteristic tingling or heaviness,spreading or warmth is experienced. Although this sometimes may feel strange or unusual,most patients report no pain. Studies have shown that approximately 5 percent of the population are hypersensitive to needling as well as any other procedure. Disposable, pre-sterilized needles are used and then disposed of in proper containers.
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Cupping is a treatment that is also part of Oriental medicine, one that can provide an especially pleasant experience.
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