Acupuncture vs. Hypodermic Needles: There's a Big Difference!

If you've had a flu shot lately, or had your blood drawn, it's likely you're worried that acupuncture will be just as painful.  After all, needles are all alike, right?

Actually not!  The hypodermic needles that are used for shots or when you give blood are thick and hollow.  This is because they are designed for a certain job: to move blood out or inject a medicine or fluid into your body. 

Top: Hypodermic needle

Bottom: Close-up of hypodermic needle point.

Acupuncture needles are very different. They are fine, thin, and quite flexible, often no thicker than a human hair.

12 acupuncture needles can fit into
a single, regular-size hypodermic needle!

During a treatment, acupuncture needles are inserted just under the skin. Most people  are surprised that the needles produce little or no sensation and that the treatments are quite relaxing. Many patients even fall asleep during treatment. 

Acupuncturists use standard medical procedures to prevent infection. At the MVA Clinic, which uses the NADA Ear Protocol,* clients are given alcohol pads to disinfect their ears before the treatment.  The acupuncture needles are sterile, used only once, and then disposed of.  

If you have never had acupuncture before, it may be hard to believe that it is a very relaxing treatment.  But many people experience a profound relaxation with treatment and some describe it as almost a meditative state. 

• See our post -- What Happens at the MVA Clinic? -- a step-by-step, illustrated review of a typical treatment day.

• You can also read more about acupuncture at our page on this site: What is Acupuncture?

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* What is the "NADA Protocol"?

[from the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Website]

"At five designated ear points in each auricle (outer ear), NADA-trained clinicians apply fine gauge, sterilized, one-time use stainless steel needles just under the skin, where they remain for up to an hour while the patient (in most circumstances) relaxes quietly in a comfortable chair. Ordinarily, groups of patients sit together while undergoing the treatment."

In the United States, acupuncture practitioners must be certified. Medical doctors who practice acupuncture must complete a training program approved by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.  Non-physicians must pass board exams given by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for certification.  

At Milwaukee Veterans Acupuncture, acupuncturists are licensed or certified in the state of Wisconsin and have malpractice insurance in place. OSHA guidelines are followed at all times in the clinic setting. In addition, all staff volunteers have been screened and have received training in the clinic’s operations. 

If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@TheMVAclinic.com. Or tweet us at http://twitter.com/TheMVAClinic.

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Image of hypodermic needle points by Dr. Henning Krämer. Image of acupuncture needles by Xhienne. Permission for both granted under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License

Image of CVS Alcohol Prep Swabs from the product page on Amazon.