Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or may be left in place for 30 minutes or more, depending on the effect required.

The actual insertion of the acupuncture needles is done very quickly, and most people feel a slight pricking sensation during insertion. Once the needles are in place, patients report a “tingling, numbing or warm sensation.” This is a desirable sensation is known as “attaining qi.”

A pinch, followed by "qi sensation," a feeling of warmth, or aching around the point, and often above and below it as well, along the course of the channel. Many styles of traditional acupuncture consider the qi sensation a prerequisite to effective treatment. Western research has so far supported this notion. Some people feel the insertion, some don't. The sensations of acupuncture vary widely among individuals.

The needles are usually made of stainless steel, not much thicker that a human hair. Usually nothing is felt as the needle penetrates the skin but there will be some sensation as the needle reaches the subcutaneous acupuncture point. This can be a feeling of numbness, or an ache, or an "alive" sensation, or a sort of sharpness. It is certainly a lot less painful than the sensation of being accidentally punctured by a needle or a pin. Some people seem to feel hardly anything at all.

While you may feel a quick sensation of pressure or muscle aching, we strive for painless needle insertions to maximize your comfort.

Answer: The ReBuilder feels good. The signal feels like a tiny tingle that pulses on and off. Many people describe it as feeling like an "internal massage". If you turn the unit up, your calf muscles will twitch every time the little indicator light on the ReBuilder lights up. If you use the EMS setting to strengthen your muscles, you will feel a stronger contraction that lasts 6 seconds and then rests your legs for 6 seconds.

Being "chelated" is quite a different experience from other medical treatments. There is no pain, and in most cases, very little discomfort. Patients are seated in reclining chairs and can read, nap, watch TV, do needlework, or chat with other patients while the fluid containing the EDTA flows into their veins. If necessary, patients can walk around.

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine (finer than even a pin) with a sharp point and made out of stainless steel. They come in different lengths and thicknesses according to which area of the body is to be treated. For example, a 0.5 inch long needle would be inserted into the scalp, ear, or face whereas a 3-4 inch needle would be used for the thighs/buttocks. I use pre-packed and sterilized disposable needles that are single use only. Once used, they are discarded into sealed containers.

Acupuncture is a relatively pain free procedure meant to give you relief from pain, not to inflict more. Most of the time patients say they don't even feel the needle go in. Most patients find acupuncture extremely relaxing and eagerly look forward to their treatments. Often the practitioner will try to get a particular sensation in the acupuncture point or meridian called "da qi." This is often experienced as a dull, achy or heavy sensation.

The depth of the insertion varies depending the body part being needled. Needle lengths vary from 1/16 of an inch to 3 to 6 inches long. For example, if needling around the ankles or hands a 1/2 inch needle is used, however if the needling is to the buttocks to treat sciatica then the needle length will be between 3-6 inches. Needle length depends on the size of the part being needled. Needling technique is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks than on the arms or feet.