Boo!
Did we scare you? Maybe not, but Halloween is just around the corner, filled with all things spooky. And for many people, needles are the stuff of nightmares.
You’ve probably heard a lot of myths about acupuncture. And if you’ve never actually tried it for yourself, it can be easy to believe that the needles used are big and scary. So, is that a reason not to try it? Of course not.
While it can sound scary, acupuncture needles are made from stainless steel and are very thin. They’re also sterile, so there’s no risk of infection when you have an acupuncture treatment.
However, it’s normal for people to be a bit nervous about having acupuncture for the first time. If this sounds like you, read on to learn why there’s nothing to fear when it comes to acupuncture treatments.
Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, so you shouldn’t experience any pain. In fact, some people don’t even realize they have been pricked until after their treatment is over!
Most patients report that the needles feel more like a gentle pinch or tingling sensation than actual pain. You may feel some soreness after your treatment, but this passes within a few hours and is nothing compared to the relief you will receive from your symptoms!
How Big are Acupuncture Needles?
The truth is that acupuncture needles are very thin and very small. They’re not at all like the needles used for blood work or injections. The size of an acupuncture needle can vary depending on what type of treatment you’re getting but are usually about the thickness of a hair or thinner.
How Long Do They Stay In My body?
Although it can vary depending on the treatment, most patients will have their needles inserted for 15-20 minutes at a time. But at My Rest, we normally leave them in longer so you can have a nap and fully immerse yourself in our restful environment (we’re not called My Rest for nothing).
Afraid of Needles? Here Are Some Tips
If you’re like many people, the thought of needles makes you cringe. To help ease your fear, here are some tips that will help you relax when it comes time to get an acupuncture treatment:
1) Talk with a friend or family member who has had an acupuncture treatment before—they’ll be able to tell you what to expect and help calm your nerves by talking about their experience.
2) Ask our acupuncturist if they have any recommendations for reducing anxiety before coming in for treatment. They might recommend listening to music or watching a movie before your appointment. Some people even find yoga helps them relax before getting acupuncture!
3) Come prepared with questions about the procedure and what to expect from the treatment process—this will help keep your mind focused on something other than needles being stuck into your body!
There is no denying that needles can be intimidating for many people. But there are ways to make the experience more pleasant—and even enjoyable!
If you’ve ever been intimidated by acupuncture needles, we’re here to tell you that there’s no need to be. Acupuncture is very safe in the hands of our trained professionals. In fact, many people who started out with a fear of needles often fall asleep during treatment.
For calm, relaxing acupuncture, book your pain-free appointment today!