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Acupuncture rarely feels the way people fear. This gentle guide describes common sensations, signals to share straight away and how your comfort shapes every decision.

Setting aside the injection picture

Many people, including older adults who come along with their families, picture acupuncture as something like a vaccination. In reality, acupuncture needles are very fine, and what people notice differs a great deal. At the Lane Cove clinic, Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, talks through the possibilities before anything begins so there are fewer surprises.

Sensations people sometimes describe

• a quick, small prick as a needle goes in;
• a sense of heaviness or warmth around the area;
• tingling or a mild, dull ache;
• very little at all, which is also common.

There is no correct response to aim for. Putting into words what you actually feel is far more helpful than gritting your teeth because you assume discomfort is part of the process.

When to speak up straight away

Let Christine know at once if anything feels sharp, burning, upsetting or seems to be getting stronger. A needle can be adjusted or removed, and the session can slow down or stop. Your comfort, and your wish to keep going or not, are part of every decision made in the room. If you are supporting a parent or partner who finds it hard to speak up, you might agree on a simple hand signal together beforehand.

Thinking about what you hope for

Before treatment starts, it can help to tell apart the symptom itself and the change you would like to see. That might be a little less discomfort when climbing stairs, a clearer sense of what is going on, or knowing when another check-up with your GP is wise. Ask how the plan will be reviewed and what would lead Christine to suggest something different.

For anyone feeling nervous, it is fine to spend the start of a Lane Cove appointment simply talking and asking how a needle feels before choosing whether to go ahead. Whether acupuncture is right for you is something you and Christine work out together, one step at a time.