Does Acupuncture Cause Bleeding?

There is a small risk of minor bleeding with acupuncture, but it is not common. If slight bleeding occurs, it is usually minimal and clots quickly.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid. They are not the same as hollow medical needles used for injections or blood draws. They do not cut the skin. Instead, they gently puncture the surface.

Some people may also experience mild soreness or minor bruising at the needle site. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few days.

Before treatment begins, it is important to let your practitioner know about any underlying health conditions or medications you are taking. Bringing an updated list of medications and relevant medical history helps ensure your care is safe and appropriate.

Overall, acupuncture is considered very safe. If you have concerns, discussing them beforehand can help you feel informed and comfortable going into your session.

What should I wear to an acupuncture appointment?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, neck, shoulders, and lower back.

Good options include:

• Loose pants, sweatpants, or shorts
• T-shirts or tops with flexible necklines
• Clothing you can easily roll up or adjust

Comfort helps your body relax and allows your acupuncturist to treat the areas that need care.

What should I avoid wearing to acupuncture?

Try to avoid:

• Tight or restrictive clothing
• High-collared shirts or turtlenecks
• Sports bras that cannot be loosened or unclasped
• Tight sleeves or wrist cuffs
• Heavy jewelry, watches, or rings

These can limit access and make it harder to get comfortable during treatment.

Should I remove jewelry or accessories?

Yes. Removing rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, and large earrings is recommended. Accessories can interfere with treatment or feel uncomfortable when lying down.

Do I need to tie my hair back?

If you have long hair, tying it back is helpful, especially for neck, shoulder, or back treatments. This keeps hair from interfering with needling and positioning.

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Wear shoes that are easy to remove. This allows easy access to the feet or ankles if needed during treatment.

Can I come straight from work or exercise?

You can come straight from work or exercise, but comfort and access are important.

Some work clothes can be restrictive or harder to adjust during treatment. Gym clothing is often fine, as long as it allows easy access and is not overly tight.

If needed, we will give you a few minutes to change before treatment begins so you can be comfortable.

What if I am not sure what to wear?

That is okay. Your acupuncturist will guide you during your visit and help you adjust clothing as needed. You can also call the clinic if you have any other questions. Comfort and ease of movement are always the priority.

What Kind of Needles Are Used in Acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile, single-use needles designed specifically to work with the body’s muscles and nerves. The most common type used in treatment is called a filiform needle.

Many people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are very different from the injection needles used for shots or blood draws.

Filiform Needles

The main type of needle used in acupuncture is called a filiform needle. These are the standard needles used in modern acupuncture clinics and are designed for comfort and precise treatment. These needles are used every day to treat muscle pain, nerve irritation, and mobility problems.

Acupuncture uses very thin, solid, spring-loaded stainless steel needles that are single-use and sterile. Unlike medical injection needles, acupuncture needles do not have a cutting edge and do not inject anything into the body. The skin is gently separated rather than cut, which usually results in minimal discomfort during insertion compared to a shot.

Injection needles are hollow to deliver medication or draw blood, while filiform needles are solid and designed only to gently puncture the tissue. Most acupuncture needles are about 10–20 times thinner than a typical injection needle, which is why the sensation feels very different.

These needles are used to help:

• Relax tight muscles
• Improve circulation
• Reduce nerve irritation
• Restore normal movement

The length and thickness of the needle depends on the area being treated. Larger muscles, such as the hip or back, may use longer needles, while thinner needles are used in more sensitive areas.

Sometimes, these same filiform needles may also be connected to a gentle electrical stimulation device to enhance the treatment effect. This does not change the needle itself.

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels, and many find the treatment relaxing.

Other Types of Acupuncture Needles

While filiform needles are used in the vast majority of treatments, there are a few other specialized needles and tools that may be used depending on the situation.

Facial rejuvenation needles
These are thinner versions of filiform needles designed specifically for use on the face. Their smaller size allows for comfortable treatment in more sensitive areas.

Intradermal needles
These are very small needles that sit just under the surface of the skin and can be retained for longer periods to provide continued stimulation between treatments when appropriate.

Press needles
These are small, short needles typically held in place with a small adhesive, often used on the ear.

Plum blossom needles
These consist of multiple small needles clustered together and gently tapped onto the surface of the skin rather than inserted. This technique is used to stimulate the skin and underlying tissue.

Filiform needles remain the standard and most commonly used needles in acupuncture treatment.

The Most Important Thing To Know

Acupuncture needles are:

• Sterile
• Single-use
• Extremely thin
• Solid, not hollow

They do not inject medication.

They are designed to gently puncture tissue and help restore normal muscle and nerve function.

Many patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture feels compared to what they expected.

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Most acupuncture needles are placed shallow, often just under the skin. In some areas, such as the hips or glutes, needles may be placed deeper, sometimes up to 2 inches. Depth is chosen carefully based on the area treated, anatomy, individual body type, and your comfort. Established safety standards guide typical depth for each area.

How Acupuncture Works

From a Modern Medical Perspective

Research shows that acupuncture:

• Stimulates the nervous system – Needle insertion activates sensory nerves, signaling the brain and spinal cord to release natural painkillers like endorphins and serotonin.
• Nerve compression and acupuncture: When nerves are compressed, stretched, or irritated due to muscle tension, poor posture, internal masses, scars, or injury then they can cause localized pain or radiating discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve this pressure by relaxing surrounding muscles, improving circulation, and restoring proper nerve signaling, which can reduce pain along the affected nerve pathways.
• Improves circulation – Needling increases blood flow to injured or stagnant areas, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune support to promote healing.
• Reduces inflammation – Acupuncture can lower inflammatory markers and reduces inflammation in surrounding areas of affected tissue, easing swelling and discomfort.
• Regulates body systems – Helps balance the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing digestion.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, acupuncture works by restoring the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy through channels called meridians. Qi movement allows for blood to move fluidly and not stagnate and impure fluids and waste to move through our body and be disposed.

When Qi is blocked, deficient, or unbalanced, it can lead to pain, fatigue, or illness. By gently inserting sterile, hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points, we can clear blockages, nourish deficiencies, and restore balance between Yin and Yang. These are complementary forces that maintain health but also act as symbols for comparison or balance. This process supports your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Balance

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by supporting the smooth movement of Qi, or functional energy, through the body. Qi is closely linked with circulation, nerve signaling, and tissue health.

Qi travels along pathways called meridians, which connect to organ systems and influence muscles, joints, and nerves throughout the body. When this movement is steady, the body can adapt, recover, and maintain balance.

Stress, injury, overuse, poor sleep, illness, or prolonged strain can disrupt this system. When regulation breaks down, pain, fatigue, tension, or other symptoms may appear. Acupuncture helps restore balance by supporting normal communication between body systems and improving circulation to affected areas.

Why Restoring Balance Matters

• Biomedical View: Poor circulation, chronic inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and muscle tension can prevent full recovery.
• TCM View: Physical trauma, stress, diet, overwork, and environmental factors can disrupt Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, weakening your body’s defenses.

Whether explained as restoring nerve communication and blood supply or harmonizing Qi flow, the goal is the same. Acupuncture helps your body regain its natural balance, resilience, and bring it out of a state of mental/physical pain.

Blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health and leads to various signs and symptoms or health concerns.

Read our full article discussing an overview of acupuncture:

Acupuncture: Eastern and Western Perspectives

Does acupuncture hurt? How does acupuncture feel?

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. You might feel a quick pinch, tingle, or dull ache upon insertion of a needle but after that most people don’t realize the needle is there or has been inserted. If you feel any discomfort after insertion then just let your practitioner know and they can adjust or remove the needle.

Many people fall asleep on the table or feel very relaxed with the needles retained.

Acupuncture needles have no cutting edge and can bend under finger pressure compared to needles used for injection. The sensation is not similar to injection needles and is a different sensation.

24 hours. This gives a chance to reschedule another patient in the place that was reserved for you.

Failure to give 24 hours notice will result in a cancellation fee.