Acupuncture Needles Q&A

The idea of being needled can make some people feel less than comfortable. I can also see how someone who has never had acupuncture could think that there are safety risks . So let’s talk about acupuncture needles and their safety!

Since acupuncture is regulated in Ontario, our governing body (the College of TCM Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario) sets out strict rules around needle safety. Plus, Health Canada approves acupuncture needles that can be used in the country.

Answering your questions about acupuncture needles

Have my acupuncture needles been used before?

No, never! In Canada, needles are always single use. Once a needle has been removed from your body, it goes directly into a sharps container, and never used again. The contents of that container will later be destroyed safely.

Once we open a needle pack, one of two things can happen. Your acupuncturist may make use of all the needles in the pack during that same appointment. Needles are sometimes packaged in bundles of 10 to reduce packaging waste. All needles that haven’t been used from an open pack go directly into the sharps container.

Your acupuncturist should open a new needle pack in front of you at each appointment.

What aspects of acupuncture needle quality are regulated?

Needles must be sterile, according to Health Canada regulations. If the packaging is intact, needles are guaranteed to be sterile for 5 years. Past the 5 year mark, there’s no way to guarantee that the packaging will hold up to humidity (especially in Ottawa!).

Each needle pack has an expiry date. You can ask your acupuncturist to show it to you.

How thick are the needles used?

Needles come in a variety of sizes. We choose needle size based on a few things.

Firstly, where the needle will be used matters. Thicker needles carry a higher risk of bruising. Most people prefer to avoid bruises on their face, so I normally choose thinner needles for the face. But not all treatments require facial needles.

Additionally, I consider the patient’s pain sensitivity. For many people with chronic illness, there is a higher level of inflammation. In those cases, I often prefer to use thinner needles.

It’s worth mentioning that the needles I use are much thinner than the hollow needles used for blood work and vaccines.

What do the needles feel like?

This will vary from person to person. Some people feel a quick pinch as needles go in. Others hardly feel the needles at all. But regardless, if there is discomfort, it should be over in seconds. If you can still feel the needles after a few seconds, the needle position probably just needs to be tweaked.

While needle size affects how acupuncture will feel, there are a few other factors that will affect it. Needle quality and the practitioner’s needling technique can make a difference.

I like to use high quality, easy glide, and eco-friendly needles. I also use a very gentle needling technique. Acupuncture doesn’t have to be painful to work. I want you to get healthy, not be in pain!

Ready to give acupuncture a try? Head over to the booking page to schedule your acupuncture appointment in Ottawa!