Acupuncture shouldn't hurt. It really doesn't have to. There are one or two points that DO, like the first aid for a sore throat, but I always explained and asked permission, and most were desperate for some relief and didn't mind the momentary pain because it worked instantly. I had one patient who used to get recurrent sore throats but never had another one after I needled that point. He used to joke it was because his body was scared I was going to needle the point again (it was painful!) I think it is fair to say that 99% of my treatments were very pleasant.The sensation of getting the point is like a dull ache that can be quite moreish.

TCM use thicker needles and the Chinese have a different relationship to pain and (i was taught) are more OK with pain and prefer to feel more so the needling technique can be quite brutal. I would never see a Chinese practitioner. Traditional Acupuncture was wiped out at the time of the cultural revolution and only survived in places like Japan or Korea. It is much gentler - has to be, because nine times out ten you are working at the level of the spirit. Sorry, I've rattled on again. Info dump! Oversharing! BAck away from the computer now Annie.