When someone mentions needles, most people tend to think of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much, much finer. The needles are either inserted for a second or two and then removed or left in place for 5-20 minutes, depending on the desired effect. Patients describe the sensations differently – the most common is that of a tingling, dragging sensation or dull ache, but the feeling quickly fades.
