Because the needles have to pierce the skin, you may experience a brief prick when the needles are inserted. The needles used at TCM health care are best quality available and cause very little discomfort.
Once the needles are in, there should be no pain. At particular points on the body, you are likely to feel a stinging or heaviness sensation while the needles are in. This sensation is evidence of strong movement of qi while it is coming to effect.
It is very important that an acupuncture treatment should not be stressful or unpleasant, so if any sensation is too strong, or if you are uncomfortable, you must let your practitioner know. You should be able to achieve a state of deep relaxation during a treatment.