Pain with Needles

There are a range of needling techniques and theories in Chinese Medicine. These range from non-needle insertion (as in some forms of Japanese acupuncture) to very heavy needling techniques (more common from some practitioners of Chinese acupuncture). When we needle patients rarely feel the needles at all and there is certainly no bruising at the points except in very rare cases. If they feel anything from the needling it goes away after a second and they rest comfortably during the treatment.

While I don't want to judge another practitioner (as there are many styles), bruising at many of the points sounds excessive to me. Anxiety is very commonly treated with acupuncture and generally people with this condition do better with lighter needling techniques. If you are finding yourself tense during the treatment, this does not facilitate the flow of energy so you may not be getting all you can from the treatment. However, results are results so you will have to make a judgment call yourself on the issue. You could certainly try another practitioner with lighter techniques and see how you do. You are always free to go back to the practitioner you are seeing.

In my clinic, as I said, people rarely feel the needles and most fall asleep during the treatment. I find this best, but that is my background and experience. Some feel you need heavy manipulation and sensation at all points to create a change. This is just a difference in theory and training and not necessarily a right or wrong issue.