Are You Afraid of Needles?

There are so many people missing out on the benefits of acupuncture primarily due to their fear of needles. And we perfectly understand! The thought of needles being inserted into the skin doesn't exactly trigger warm fuzzy feelings. 

Ironically there is often a warm fuzzy feeling patients feel "after" the needles are inserted. This is the clearing of stagnation and the re-balancing of the "chi"- the vital energy in Chinese Medicine. 

The biggest misconception is that the needles are going to hurt! 

On a few occasions, you may feel a little prick when the needle is first inserted. But it is not the piercing prick you experience when someone draws your blood in a lab, for example. 

These Fine Needles.

Acupuncture does not inject fluids or draw blood. Therefore, acupuncture needles are solid and thinner than hypodermic needles. In fact, they are barely wider in diameter than a strand of hair. 

Acupuncture needs used in practice vary among acupuncturists. In our practice, Dr. Zair mainly uses  0.16mm to 0.20mm needles. That is no more than 25% the thickness of a hypodermic needle!

You may find acupuncturists using needles in the same range or as thick as 0.30mm.

How Deep Are Acupuncture Needles Inserted? 

If it’s not the fear of needle insertion, it could be the fear of how deep they go that scares someone.

In acupuncture, the needles are inserted approximately 1/4 inch to ½ inch

This depends on the area of the body and its muscle or tissue mass. For example, near the joints, they are inserted shallowly.

One More Reason to Have no Fear.

Acupuncturists with certification are highly trained. A big part of their training is the technique: how and where to insert the acupuncture needles.

Dr. Zair completed a five-year Master's Degree in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture and has been helping patients with acupuncture since 2004.. His knowledge of anatomy as a chiropractor of 25 years adds a deeper level of understanding of his patient from both the Eastern and Western perspectives of health.

Still, Fearing the Acupuncture Needles?

If you are still afraid to try acupuncture because of the needles, please talk to us! Just call 623.572.4476. We have put the most fearful patients at ease - those who take the first step in scheduling a consultation. However, there are other related therapy options we use to help balance the "chi" and bring you back to better health. 

The important thing is that you need to find the most effective therapy in order to achieve better health and balance in your life. And it can’t occur when you are in a state of fear or anxiety.

We hope this article resolves some apprehension and more importantly, eases your fear! You can read more about acupuncture HERE.

Feel free to contact our office anytime! 

Living Pure Chiropractic & Acupuncture