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Acupuncture sensations differ from person to person. Knowing the range, and when to tell your practitioner, makes each session more comfortable.

Not the same as an injection

A common worry before acupuncture is that each needle will feel like a vaccination. In practice the needles are far finer, and people describe a wide range of experiences. Some notice a fleeting prick on insertion, then perhaps a dull ache, a spreading heaviness or a light tingle. Others report hardly feeling anything at all.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, finds it more helpful when people describe exactly what they notice instead of gritting their teeth. There is no prize for silent endurance, and a sensation does not need to be strong to be part of a reasonable session.

When to speak up straight away

Some feelings deserve an immediate comment. If a point becomes sharp, burning, distressing or keeps getting stronger, tell Christine at once so she can adjust or remove the needle. The same applies if you feel light-headed, hot or unwell while lying on the table.

Your comfort is information, not an inconvenience. Whether you feel able to continue should shape every choice made during the appointment, from the number of points to how long the needles stay in.

Linking sensations to your goals

Sensations are only one part of the picture. Before treatment starts, it helps to describe the problem you came with separately from the result you would value. A realistic aim might be less stiffness when gardening, a better grasp of what is going on, or clarity about when another health professional should take a look.

Ask how progress will be reviewed over the following visits and what would lead to a different approach.

Planning a comfortable appointment

Wearing loose clothing, eating a light snack beforehand and arriving a few minutes early can make the visit feel less rushed. Christine sees people from across Lane Cove and nearby suburbs at the Lane Cove clinic, and you are welcome to ask her to talk you through what you might feel before the first needle goes in.