The question I am asked most often — and why the short answer is no.
By Dr Alexandre Fleury · Physician acupuncturist · ~3 min read · Updated October 2026
This is the question I am asked most often, and that is understandable: nobody likes needles. The short answer: no, most of the time it does not hurt. Here is why, and what you might feel.
Most of the time, you feel a light pinprick, then nothing more. Sometimes you feel nothing at all. This sensation lasts a few seconds, then settles. Once the needles are in place, you are lying down, and can relax, even doze off.
You may sometimes feel, around the needle, a dull sensation of heaviness, warmth or tingling. In Chinese medicine, this is called “deqi”, and it is seen as a sign that the point has been properly stimulated. It is an expected and harmless sensation. If it bothers you, tell me: I can adjust or remove the needle straight away.
Acupuncture needles are solid (not hollow), much finer than a blood-test needle, sterile and single-use. They do not inject or withdraw anything: they simply stay in place for a few minutes.
Some areas are more sensitive than others: the hands, feet, face, or an area that is already painful. I adapt: I use fewer needles, or wait for the area to relax.
You are not alone: it is a very common fear. Tell me from the start. We can go at your pace, start with very few needles, or first use needle-free techniques (acupressure, heat with moxibustion). To avoid feeling faint, the session is done lying down; let me know if you feel dizzy or sweaty. You can ask me to stop at any time.
For children, I adapt the approach: no needles, but acupressure, massage or gentle heat instead. Nothing is done without the child’s and the parents’ agreement.
Key points
This article is intended for information and educational purposes. It does not replace a medical consultation and does not constitute personalized advice.
