How to Overcome Acupuncture Needle Anxiety: A Guide to Your First Session
It’s okay to feel apprehensive about new experiences, especially when the word “needle” is involved! But what if we told you that acupuncture needles are nothing like the ones used for shots or blood draws? In fact, they’re actually as flexible as a kitten’s whiskers and are significantly thinner than a single strand of hair. If fear of needles has been holding you back from trying acupuncture, let’s put your worries at ease. In this blog post, we’ll break down what to expect during your first session and how to overcome acupuncture needle anxiety, making it a comfortable, even relaxing, experience!
How to Overcome Acupuncture Needle Anxiety
Acupuncture Needles vs. Hypodermic Needles: A Major Difference
A huge reason folks feel uneasy about acupuncture is the association with medical needles used for injections or blood draws. Catherine Falter, one of our wonderful acupuncturists, explains the key differences:
“Thankfully, acupuncture needles are more like a thick hair than the dreaded hypodermic needles used for shots and blood draws, which are hollow and inflexible. Acupuncture needles are as flexible as a kitten’s whiskers.”
Another big distinction is placement. Blood draws target veins, which can be quite sensitive. Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, are placed at specific points on the body and away from blood vessels, making the experience much more comfy.
In addition, acupuncture needles are single-use, sterile, and designed to be as non-invasive as possible. They are much smaller than injection needles, typically ranging between 0.12mm and 0.35mm thick (compared to 0.3 or 0.8mm).
The Role of the Guide Tube: Easing You In
Those who find themselves nervous about the sensation of a needle can rest assured knowing that acupuncturists use a small plastic guide tube to assist them with insertion. This guide tube serves two purposes:
Precision: Helping to position the needle accurately and smoothly.
Distraction: Giving your nervous system something else to focus on by creating a light pressure, reducing any awareness of the actual needle.
“The nervous system can only focus on one sensation at a time,” Catherine explains. “The light feel of the guide tube is often the only thing that is felt as the needle is placed. The acupuncturist’s hands provide a comforting distraction as well.”
Many first-time patients don’t even realize when the needle has been inserted because of this gentle technique!
You Don’t Have to Look!
Some folks feel most comfortable seeing a needle beforehand, while others prefer to look away. Either choice is totally fine! If seeing a needle helps you ease into the experience, your acupuncturist can show you just how fine and delicate they are. If you’d rather keep your focus elsewhere, they’ll guide you through the session without visual exposure.
Additional Advice for First-Time Acupuncture Patients
If you’re feeling nervous before your appointment, here’s a few extra tips to help ease any lingering anxiety:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to acupuncture points.
Eat a light meal beforehand to avoid feeling lightheaded.
Communicate openly with your acupuncturist about your concerns and preferences.
Practice deep breathing before and during your session to help your body relax.
Hydrate well before and after your appointment to help your body process the treatment more effectively.
What Patients Say About Their First Session
Most first-time acupuncture patients leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and even surprised at how easy the process was. Catherine has observed this many times:
“First-time acupuncture patients are often surprised at how comfortable the process is, how relaxed they become during the treatment, and how much better they feel after!”
Acupuncture isn’t just about pain relief - it’s also deeply beneficial for stress reduction, sleep improvement, and balancing the body’s energy. Many patients even fall asleep during their sessions because they feel so calm and comfortable.
Considering Acupuncture?
If you’ve been on the fence about trying acupuncture due to a fear of needles, please know that you’re not alone. The experience is designed to be as gentle and stress-free as possible, and many patients find it to be a profoundly calming treatment.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective way to promote healing, relieve pain, and support overall well-being. Our team here at Tanasse Chiropractic is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your first experience is a positive one!
