People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most feel no pain at all, while some feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

Acupuncture needles are solid, very thin, and made of surgical steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), and so it does not hurt like getting a shot. Also all needles are single-use, sterile, and disposable.