What is acupuncture like? Patient experiences from Berkhamsted acupuncturist Sean Heneghan
Many people are curious about acupuncture but hesitate due to misconceptions about what it actually involves. After more than twenty years of practice in Berkhamsted, I've seen how these misunderstandings can prevent people from accessing a treatment that could genuinely help them.
The reality of acupuncture is quite different from what many people imagine, and often much more comfortable and relaxing than expected.
Common Misconceptions About Acupuncture
One of the biggest barriers to trying acupuncture is fear of the needles. According to research by the British Acupuncture Council, many people imagine acupuncture needles are similar to injection needles—thick, long, and painful?. In reality, acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, typically 0.12-0.35mm in diameter?, often similar to the thinness of human hair and bear no resemblance to medical injection needles.
Most patients are surprised by how little they feel when the needles are inserted. The sensation is typically described as a tiny pinprick, if anything at all, followed by a unique feeling that many find deeply relaxing.
What Does Acupuncture Actually Feel Like?
When I insert acupuncture needles, patients often experience what Traditional Chinese Medicine calls "de qi", a sensation that can feel like a dull ache, tingling, heaviness, or warmth around the needle site, this signifies adequate stimulation of the nervous system
During the treatment, which typically lasts 20-30 minutes, most patients find themselves deeply relaxed. Many fall asleep, while others describe entering a meditative state where stress and tension seem to melt away. It's common for patients to feel both energized and calm after a session.
What the Research Shows
Acupuncture's acceptance in mainstream healthcare has grown significantly since the early 2000s. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) specifically recommends acupuncture for:
Tension headaches¹
Migraine prevention²
It's worth noting that NICE guidance varies by condition, while acupuncture is recommended for headaches and migraines, the 2016 NICE guidelines advise against acupuncture for chronic lower back pain³.
Research published in major medical journals suggests acupuncture may help with various other conditions, though individual responses vary. A systematic review in JAMA Internal Medicine (2012) examined 29 studies involving 17,922 patients and found evidence supporting acupuncture for chronic pain conditions?. Other studies published in The Lancetand BMJ have indicated potential benefits for anxiety, stress, digestive issues, and sleep problems, but more research is needed to establish effectiveness for these conditions?,?.
Important note: Acupuncture should not be considered a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Always consult your GP for serious health concerns.
My Integrated Approach in Berkhamsted
In my practice, I sometimes combine acupuncture with therapy, recognizing that physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing may be interconnected. This integrated approach may be helpful for people experiencing:
Stress and anxiety - Acupuncture may help with relaxation while therapy can address underlying patterns
Low mood - Physical treatment may support emotional wellbeing alongside talking therapy
Chronic pain - Addressing both physical symptoms and the emotional impact of living with ongoing discomfort
Sleep issues - Exploring both physiological and psychological factors that may affect rest
Individual results vary, and this approach is not a substitute for medical treatment where required.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your initial acupuncture appointment will typically last 90 minutes and includes:
Detailed consultation where we discuss your health history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. I take time to understand not just your physical symptoms but how they affect your daily life and emotional wellbeing.
Treatment involving the insertion of very fine needles at specific points. Most people use 8-12 needles during a treatment, and you'll rest comfortably for 20-30 minutes while they work.
Treatment plan discussion where we'll talk about how many sessions you might need and what changes to expect.
Patient Experiences
Over two decades of practice, I've observed how people's perceptions of acupuncture often change after their first treatment. Some patients have shared feedback such as:
"I couldn't believe how relaxed I felt"
"The needles were nothing like I expected"
"I slept better that night than I had in months"
"I felt more emotionally balanced"
"My pain levels seemed to reduce"
Please note: These are individual experiences and do not guarantee similar results for all patients. Responses to acupuncture vary from person to person.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Acupuncture may be suitable for a wide range of conditions and is generally considered safe when performed by qualified practitioners. It might be worth considering if you:
- Prefer natural approaches to health and healing
- Haven't found adequate relief through conventional treatments alone (though acupuncture should complement, not replace, medical care)
- Experience stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges alongside physical symptoms
- Are interested in exploring the potential connection between your physical and emotional wellbeing
- Want to take an active role in your health and healing process
Important: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.
Safety and Professional Standards
As a member of the British Acupuncture Council, I adhere to strict safety protocols and professional standards established by the organisation?. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of safely after each treatment. Professional acupuncturists undergo extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory.
The risk of serious side effects from acupuncture is extremely low when performed by qualified practitioners. A comprehensive safety study published in Acupuncture in Medicine (2001) reviewing over 34,000 treatments found the rate of serious adverse events to be less than 0.05%¹?. Minor side effects might include slight bruising or temporary fatigue, but most people experience only positive effects.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions
If you've been curious about acupuncture but held back by concerns about needles or uncertainty about what it involves, I encourage you to consider that your hesitation may be based on misconceptions rather than the reality of treatment.
Acupuncture offers a gentle approach that considers both physical and emotional aspects of wellbeing. For some of my patients, it becomes not just a treatment but a pathway to greater self-awareness and a more balanced way of living.
Please remember that individual responses to acupuncture vary, and it should be considered as part of an overall approach to health rather than a standalone solution.
Important Medical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Acupuncture should not be used as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. Always consult your GP or healthcare provider before starting acupuncture, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are pregnant, or are taking medication.
Ready to experience acupuncture for yourself?
I offer acupuncture treatments in Berkhamsted, both as standalone therapy and integrated with counselling for a holistic approach to wellbeing.
Phone: 07717 515 013
Email: sean@seanheneghan.com
Located at: Berkhamsted Chiropractic Clinic, 69 High Street, Berkhamsted
Fees:
Initial consultation and treatment (90 minutes): £90
Follow-up treatments (45 minutes): £60
Frequently Asked Questions
Do acupuncture needles hurt?
Most people are surprised by how different acupuncture feels in comparison to what they imagined. Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, much thinner than injection needles, and needle insertion typically illicits a feeling that is sometimes described as heaviness, warmth, pressure
How many treatments will I need?
This varies depending on your condition and how long you've had it. Acute issues may resolve in a few sessions, while chronic conditions typically require a series of treatments. We'll discuss a treatment plan during your first appointment.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by qualified practitioners using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is extremely safe. Serious side effects are very rare.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Yes, acupuncture works well alongside conventional medical treatment and other therapies. In my practice, I often integrate it with therapy for a comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
What conditions can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture may help with various conditions, though individual responses vary. NICE specifically recommends acupuncture for tension headaches and migraine prevention. Some research suggests it may also help with stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and sleep problems, but evidence varies. It's worth noting that NICE guidance differs by condition - while recommended for headaches, it's not currently recommended for chronic lower back pain. Always consult your healthcare provider to discuss whether acupuncture might be suitable for your specific condition.
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2012). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [CG150].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2015). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [CG150] - updated recommendations.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2016). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. NICE guideline [NG59].
Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., Maschino, A. C., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444-1453.
Ernst, E., & White, A. R. (2001). Prospective studies of the safety of acupuncture: a systematic review. The Lancet, 358(9279), 483-488.
MacPherson, H., Altman, D. G., Hammerschlag, R., et al. (2010). Revised STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA): extending the CONSORT statement. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(10), ST1-14.
British Acupuncture Council. (2019). Public Perceptions of Acupuncture Survey. Retrieved from https://www.acupuncture.org.uk
Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. (2020). Acupuncture Needle Specifications and Safety Standards.
British Acupuncture Council. (2024). Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/about-us/regulation-and-safety/
White, A., Hayhoe, S., Hart, A., & Ernst, E. (2001). Adverse events following acupuncture: prospective survey of 32,000 consultations with doctors and physiotherapists. Acupuncture in Medicine, 19(2), 84-92.
Professional Credentials
Sean Heneghan is a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with over 20 years of experience providing acupuncture and integrative therapy in Berkhamsted.
Acupuncture offers a gentle, effective approach to healing that treats both symptoms and their underlying causes. If you're ready to experience what acupuncture can offer, I'm here to guide you through the process with care and expertise.
Article updated: August 2025