Having acupuncture done has some real benefits. Studies have found acupuncture stimulates and strengthens the immune system, the nervous system, the cardiovascular system, and the digestion system. Acupuncture can help with pain relief, improve sleep, and even has some mental health benefits.
However, acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), has been shared by millions of people of the fear of acupuncture needles. The fact is a lot of them have had negative past experiences with needles, thus, they developed a phobia of needles which is called trypanophobia.
What is Trypanophobia?
Trypanophobia is the extreme fear of needles. Specifically, people with this phobia feel afraid of getting injections or blood draws. Even though it is very common in adults, it can interfere with your life in a negative way like delaying or avoiding necessary medical care.
Why you do not need to fear acupuncture needles?
For patients who has trypanophobia but need to get acupuncture as alternative treatment, acupuncture needles are scary, too. Honestly, there is nothing to be afraid of acupuncture needles. Here’s why.
Firstly, acupuncture needles don’t hurt. You’ll be relieved to know that you might not even feel the needles go in. Second, they are very thin and very short. For example, the smallest ShinLin Acupuncture needles model has a diameter of 0.16mm and a length of 13mm. Thirdly, acupuncture practitioners are experienced and know exactly how to insert the needles in a less painful way.
For the benefits mentioned above, we think acupuncture is well worth a try and is recommended to be added to anyone’s monthly care plan for themselves.
Here’s A Different Way To Think About Acupuncture
Try not to think about acupuncture needles as needles. They’re not really, in fact. They’re more commonly titled ‘filaments’. That’s because of how thin they are. Now we’re about to get into some needle talk so bear with us ‘cause it’s about to get uncomfortable if you have a needle phobia!
A needle to take blood is a hypodermic needle. It has a beveled edge, aka a cutting edge. It’s designed to cut a hole in the skin to remove blood. The pain that comes from it is from the cut, sensations activated in the body.
An acupuncture needle is NOT a hypodermic needle. It’s A LOT thinner. So thin that you can combine several acupuncture needles in a single hypodermic needle. Its end is round but just sharp enough to insert. When an acupuncture needle is inserted, nothing is injected or removed. There is no cutting, just insertion. There is no pain associated with this type of needle for these reasons.
Furthermore, there is a guide tube used around the acupuncture filament to ensure precise placement as it’s quickly pressed into the skin.
Can I Still Get Acupuncture If I’m Terrified Of Needles?
Believe it or not, a lot of people who go to acupuncture are afraid of needles. They come though because they know of the good it does and they’re amazed after their first session at how easy everything was.
Find an acupuncturist or TCM practitioner that you trust and try it. That’s our best advice. It’s a natural feeling to be uncomfortable about the idea of using needles to stimulate positive effects in the body. After trying it though, many come to realize just how relaxing and rejuvenating the experience is.
There’s a reason the age-old healing modality of acupuncture continues to be practiced. It works. Even someone sensitive to needles will discover the benefits after a session or two. Shop acupuncture needles and acupuncture TCM supplies at Lierre.ca today. Moreover, do not miss Lierre's Labor Day Sale 2022. Enjoy up to 40% off in fitness, Vitamins, and Household supplies!