Acupuncture: Effects, Procedure and What the Needles Do
In this article
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and at the same time best-known techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has long since secured a firm place in many wellness and therapy concepts. Fine needles, placed precisely, are meant to relieve complaints and boost well-being. But how exactly does a session work, what is acupuncture used for and what do you feel when the needles glide into the skin? This guide walks you through the topic step by step.
What exactly is acupuncture?
Acupuncture translates literally as roughly “to prick with a needle”. Very thin, sterile single-use needles are placed at defined points in the skin. According to the understanding of TCM, energy pathways run through the body, the so-called meridians, through which the life energy Qi flows. If this flow falls out of balance, complaints are said to arise. The needles are meant to stimulate and harmonise the flow of energy.
From a Western medical perspective, the effect is explained differently: the stimulus of the needles can influence the nervous system, locally alter blood circulation and trigger the body’s own processes that contribute to relaxation. Which explanatory model you prefer often plays a minor role in practical application, because many people experience the treatment as soothing.
What is acupuncture used for?
In practice, acupuncture is used as a supportive measure for a range of complaints. Important: it does not replace a medical diagnosis or any necessary medical treatment. Rather, it is used as a complement to support well-being. Common areas of application are:
- Tension in the neck, shoulder and back area
- Tension-related headaches and states of restlessness
- Stress and inner tension
- Support with relaxation and switching off
- Accompanying support with certain chronic complaints
As part of a holistic wellness approach in particular, acupuncture combines well with other relaxing techniques. Those who appreciate the calm of needle treatment often also feel drawn to gentle touch techniques, such as an aroma oil massage, in which essential oils round off the relaxation experience.
For acute, severe or unclear complaints, the general rule applies: have them assessed by a doctor or specialist first. Acupuncture is a complement, not a substitute for medical care. If you would like to do something for relaxation yourself between sessions, progressive muscle relaxation following Jacobson is a calm practice for home.
How does an acupuncture session work?
A session is calm, structured and usually far more pleasant than many initially fear. Typically it is divided into several phases.
The preliminary consultation
It all begins with a detailed conversation. The person carrying out the treatment asks about your complaints, your general condition, your sleep, your digestion and your stress level. In TCM, this often also includes a tongue and pulse diagnosis, in which the colour and coating of the tongue as well as the quality of the pulse are observed. On this basis, it is decided which points will be treated.
Placing the needles
After that, you lie down in a relaxed position, usually on your stomach or back. The selected points are cleaned, then the practitioner places the needles one after another. Only sterile single-use needles are used, which are safely disposed of after the treatment. The points are often not located where the complaint sits, but along the associated meridians, for example on the hands, feet or ears.
The rest phase
Once all the needles are in place, the actual active phase follows. You lie still for about 20 to 30 minutes, often in dimmed light and with quiet music. Many people doze off during this time or reach a state of deep relaxation. Afterwards the needles are removed swiftly and usually painlessly.
After the treatment
After the session you should take a moment, get up slowly and have something to drink. Some feel pleasantly tired, others especially clear and relaxed. How many sessions make sense depends on the concern and is discussed individually.
What do you feel during acupuncture?
The most common question is: does it hurt? The needles are extremely thin, much finer than an injection at the doctor’s. When the needle is inserted, you usually only feel a brief, slight prick, and at some points nothing at all. After that, a characteristic sensation often sets in, which in TCM is called De-Qi: a slight feeling of heaviness, warmth, pressure or tingling around the needle. This sensation is considered a sign that the point has been well targeted.
It does not usually become unpleasant. Should you nevertheless feel a sharp or pulling pain at a particular spot, just say so immediately, then the needle is adjusted or repositioned. The treatment is meant to feel relaxing, not stressful.
What you should pay attention to
To ensure the experience goes positively, it is worth looking at a few points:
- Only let yourself be treated by qualified, trained people.
- Pay attention to hygiene and exclusively sterile single-use needles.
- Don’t come to the session completely on an empty stomach, but also not with an overly full one.
- Inform the practitioner about pre-existing conditions, blood thinners or a pregnancy.
- Plan some rest after the treatment instead of rushing straight back into stress.
Acupuncture fits well into a relaxation-oriented routine. Those who regularly enjoy bodywork like to combine it with oil-based techniques such as the Ayurvedic Abhyanga full-body massage, which is likewise geared towards balance and deep relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does acupuncture hurt? In the vast majority of cases, no. The needles are very thin, so when they are inserted you usually only feel a brief prick. Afterwards a slight feeling of heaviness or warmth often arises, which is perceived as pleasant.
How long does an acupuncture session take? With the preliminary consultation, placing the needles, the rest phase and the follow-up, you should allow around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the provider. The actual time lying down with the needles is usually 20 to 30 minutes.
How many sessions are needed? This depends heavily on the concern and is discussed individually. For some issues a short series is enough, for others acupuncture provides support over a longer period. There is no blanket figure.
Who is acupuncture not suitable for? With certain pre-existing conditions, blood clotting disorders, during pregnancy or with acute, unclear complaints, caution is advised. When in doubt, you should have the suitability assessed in advance by a doctor or specialist.
